Dental Negligence Claims
Visiting the dentist should leave you feeling relieved, not in pain or distress. But when a dental professional fails to provide proper care, the consequences can be lasting. At Claims 24 Hours, we help victims of dental negligence claim the compensation they deserve for their pain, suffering, and financial losses. Whether you’ve experienced a misdiagnosis, extraction error, or cosmetic dentistry mistake, our expert legal team is here to support you every step of the way.
Start Your Claim
Jump to...
What Is Dental Negligence?
Dental negligence occurs when a dentist or dental professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care expected in their field — resulting in injury, harm, or unnecessary suffering to a patient.
Negligence can happen during any dental procedure, from simple cleanings to complex surgeries. This includes:
- Incorrect or delayed diagnosis (for example, failing to spot oral cancer early)
- Mistakes during cosmetic procedures like veneers, crowns, or implants
- Extraction of the wrong tooth
- Damage to nerves, gums, or surrounding tissues
- Infection due to poor sterilisation or hygiene
When these errors occur, they can leave patients with severe pain, emotional distress, and sometimes permanent damage. If you’ve experienced such harm, you may be entitled to make a dental negligence compensation claim through our specialist solicitors.
The Consequences of Dental Negligence
The effects of dental negligence go beyond physical pain. Many victims experience emotional distress and financial strain. Common consequences include:
Physical injuries: Tooth loss, nerve damage, or infection
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or fear of future dental treatment
Financial loss: Additional treatment costs and time off work
Permanent damage: Long-term facial or oral disfigurement
At Claims 24 Hours, we understand that each case is unique. That’s why we take the time to evaluate your situation, gather medical evidence, and ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Types of Dental Negligence Claims
Dental negligence can take many forms. At Claims 24 Hours, we handle a wide range of cases involving both NHS and private dentists. Here are some common types:
1. Incorrect or Delayed Diagnosis
Failing to diagnose oral health issues in time can make minor conditions worse. For example, a dentist who overlooks the early signs of oral cancer or gum disease could cause a patient’s health to deteriorate rapidly. Delayed treatment often means more invasive and costly procedures later.
2. Errors During Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry requires precision and skill. Mistakes during procedures like veneers, whitening, or implants can cause nerve damage, infection, or aesthetic deformities. Poorly fitted crowns or bridges can lead to chronic pain and ongoing treatment.
3. Nerve Damage
Accidental nerve injury can occur during extractions or drilling. This can cause numbness, tingling, or long-term loss of sensation in the lips, tongue, or jaw. Some patients even experience difficulty eating or speaking as a result.
4. Wrong Tooth Extraction
Removing the wrong tooth is one of the most distressing forms of dental negligence. It causes unnecessary pain and may leave you needing additional dental work, such as implants or bridges, to correct the mistake.
5. Negligent Root Canal Treatment
Root canal procedures require careful precision. Negligence here can result in incomplete cleaning, perforation, reinfection, or nerve damage. Patients often face further pain and additional surgeries to fix the damage.
6. Gum and Periodontal Disease Mismanagement
If your dentist fails to diagnose or treat gum disease correctly, it can lead to tooth loss and severe bone damage. This type of negligence often results from inadequate examinations or poor follow-up care.
7. Oral Surgery Mistakes
Oral surgery errors can cause permanent injury. Whether due to poor surgical technique or lack of post-operative care, these mistakes can leave long-lasting damage to facial structure, nerves, or soft tissue.
8. Cosmetic Negligence (Veneers, Whitening, and Orthodontics)
Negligence during aesthetic treatments can cause pain, sensitivity, or misalignment. Poorly executed cosmetic work often leads to unattractive results — the exact opposite of what patients expect.
The Consequences of Dental Negligence
The effects of dental negligence go beyond physical pain. Many victims experience emotional distress and financial strain. Common consequences include:
Physical injuries: Tooth loss, nerve damage, or infection
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or fear of future dental treatment
Financial loss: Additional treatment costs and time off work
Permanent damage: Long-term facial or oral disfigurement
At Claims 24 Hours, we understand that each case is unique. That’s why we take the time to evaluate your situation, gather medical evidence, and ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Is a Dentist’s Duty of Care?
Every dentist in the UK — whether NHS or private — has a legal duty of care to their patients. This means they must:
Diagnose dental conditions accurately
Provide appropriate treatment and advice
Obtain informed consent before performing any procedure
Maintain proper hygiene and sterilisation standards
Keep accurate patient records
Provide post-treatment follow-up and care
If a dentist breaches this duty and you suffer harm as a result, you may have strong grounds for a dental negligence compensation claim.
How to Prove Dental Negligence
To make a successful claim, you’ll need to show that:
Your dentist owed you a duty of care.
They breached that duty through substandard treatment.
The breach directly caused your injury or suffering.
Your solicitor will help gather the necessary evidence, such as:
- Dental records and X-rays
- Independent medical assessments
- Witness statements
- Expert dental opinions
Our team at Claims 24 Hours handles all of this on your behalf, ensuring your case is backed by strong evidence.
Compensation for Dental Negligence
The compensation you receive depends on the severity of your injury, financial losses, and impact on your quality of life. Damages may include:
- Costs of corrective dental treatment
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Psychological distress and trauma
- Loss of income and future earnings
- Travel expenses and medical fees
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
We aim to make sure you get the maximum possible compensation for your suffering and financial loss.
Time Limits for Dental Negligence Claims
In the UK, you generally have three years to make a dental negligence claim — either from the date of the incident or the date you realised you were a victim of negligence.
For children, the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday, allowing parents or guardians to claim on their behalf before then.
If you miss the deadline, you might lose your right to compensation, so it’s crucial to act quickly and contact us as soon as possible.
NHS vs. Private Dental Negligence Claims
You can make a claim whether your treatment was provided by the NHS or a private clinic.
NHS Claims: Most NHS claims are settled through NHS Resolution, and over 95% never go to court. You have the legal right to compensation under the NHS Constitution if you’ve suffered due to negligence.
Private Dental Claims: Private dental practices are held to the same standard of care. If your private dentist fails to meet that standard, you can claim compensation directly against them.
Our solicitors will guide you through both processes, ensuring your case is handled professionally and efficiently.
No Win No Fee Dental Negligence Claims
At Claims 24 Hours, we believe justice shouldn’t come at a financial risk. That’s why we handle most dental negligence cases on a No Win No Fee basis.
This means:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- You only pay if your claim is successful.
- If you lose, you pay nothing at all.
This approach allows you to pursue your claim without financial pressure — focusing instead on your recovery and justice.
Why Make a Dental Negligence Claim?
Making a dental negligence claim isn’t just about compensation — it’s about accountability and recovery. By claiming, you can:
- Recover the cost of additional treatments
- Receive financial support for pain and suffering
- Hold the negligent professional accountable
- Prevent similar cases from happening to others
Your claim could help improve patient safety standards while giving you the closure and justice you deserve.
How Long Does a Dental Negligence Claim Take?
The length of your claim depends on the complexity of your case and whether the dentist accepts responsibility.
If liability is accepted early, cases can be resolved in a few months. However, if the dentist disputes your claim, your solicitor will need more time to gather evidence.
Either way, Claims 24 Hours will keep your case moving efficiently and keep you informed at every stage.
Dental Negligence Involving Children
Negligence involving children can be especially distressing. Poor dental treatment can lead to trauma, pain, or long-term fear of dentists.
If your child has suffered due to dental negligence, you can make a claim on their behalf before they turn 18. After that, they have until the age of 21 to claim independently.
Will I Need a Medical Assessment?
Yes. A medical assessment helps establish the extent of your injury and its long-term impact. This independent report strengthens your claim and ensures the compensation reflects your true losses.
Your solicitor will arrange everything for you, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Start Your Dental Negligence Claim Today
If you’ve been left in pain, distress, or with further dental issues due to negligent care, you have the right to claim compensation. Our expert legal team at Claims 24 Hours specialises in dental negligence claims and operates on a No Win No Fee basis.
We’ll assess your case, collect evidence, and handle every step of the process — so you can focus on recovery.
Call us today at +44 20 7043 3779 or visit Claims24Hours.co.uk to start your claim.