Dental malpractice?!

Dental malpractice?

I went to have oral surgery done to me a few days ago (my right upper wisdom tooth had a cavity which was hurting). While I was being X-Rayed, I told the lady she was x-raying the wrong one. She said the machine x-rayed the entire mouth. Later I was being prepared for the oral surgeon. He came to inject my mouth a few times. After the extraction I came home to recover and start my liquid diet. I was getting atinlging sensation so I went to look in the mirror. I was amazed, the dentist extracted the wrong tooth, it was the right number, but the wrong side. I called his cell phone that same might and I told him what he had done. He told me to come in the next day and he would extract the "right one" for free. Now I am sitting here with both of my gums stiched. I am being charged $380 for the tooth extraction. Though I feel horrible, I do not think I shoud pay them. I paid them using my VIsa, what shoud I do know? Should I not pay? Should I contact my Visa? Should I find an attorney?

2 weeks ago
I do not want to be slick, but has anyone had a similar experience? I have heard of many people getting their wrong teeth pulled? Is the case worth fighting? What can be the end result? My good tooth was perfect, it had no problems, the oral suregeon said it would eventually go bad, so will my eyes, but I am not getting them removed without consent! Any ideas out there?

If the "wrong" tooth was also a wisdom tooth, you just got both wisdoms pulled for the price of one. Wisdom teeth are better extracted-- they are difficult to reach and to keep clean, and frequently cause problems (as evidenced by the one you have that got a cavity in it). So if it was a wisdom tooth that was pulled, it's probably not worth pursuing. Just pay the bill, but don't go back to that doctor for any future procedures and warn others that he has a penchant for working on the wrong tooth.

Now if the "wrong" tooth he pulled is one of the functional molars (second molar or first molar), then you should first ask for a copy of your patient chart and the x-rays, then file a complaint with the state dental board, and after review if the state dental board finds that the oral surgeon was negligent, you can then proceed with a malpractice suit with a good chance of winning.