Visiting the dentist should be a step toward better health and confidence. Whether you’re going in for a routine check-up, a cosmetic procedure, or a surgical intervention, you expect professionalism, care, and competence. However, not every dental experience goes as planned. When dental care falls below acceptable standards, it may constitute negligent dental treatment, and patients in Maidenhead have the right to seek redress.
At Marley Solicitors, we help individuals across Maidenhead and the surrounding Berkshire area who have experienced poor or negligent dental care. Whether your injury was caused by an NHS provider or a private dental clinic, our expert legal team is here to support your claim and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What constitutes negligent dental treatment?
Negligent dental treatment happens when a dental professional breaches their duty of care, providing treatment that falls below the standard reasonably expected of someone in their profession. This can result in unnecessary pain, long-term injury, emotional suffering, or additional treatment expenses.
In Maidenhead, the scenario could involve poor service from either NHS providers such as Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust or private dental clinics, including Maidenhead Dental, Strand Dental, Smile Rooms, or other local practices.
Some examples of negligent treatment include:
- Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose dental problems, such as abscesses or decay
- Performing incorrect or unnecessary procedures
- Causing nerve damage during tooth extractions
- Incorrectly fitting crowns, bridges, or implants
- Failing to obtain proper informed consent before treatment
- Not referring a patient to a specialist when needed
- Causing avoidable infections through poor hygiene or sterilisation
- Failing to provide adequate aftercare, resulting in complications
Dental negligence is not just about poor results or cosmetic dissatisfaction. To bring a claim, it must be shown that the standard of care was below what is reasonably expected and that this caused avoidable harm.
Common types of dental negligence claims
In our experience representing clients across Maidenhead, several categories of dental negligence appear frequently. These include:
Tooth extraction errors
In some cases, dentists remove the wrong tooth or fail to extract the full root. This can result in ongoing pain, infection, or the need for surgical correction.
Nerve damage
If a dentist fails to take adequate precautions during an extraction or implant procedure, this can result in permanent nerve damage. This may lead to numbness in the lips, tongue, or face, affecting speech, eating, or general quality of life.
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Failing to identify serious conditions, such as oral cancer or gum disease, can have long-term consequences. A delay in diagnosis can allow a condition to worsen and make recovery more difficult.
Incorrect orthodontic treatment
When braces are poorly applied or a treatment plan is inappropriate, the outcome may be misaligned teeth, jaw pain, or the need for corrective procedures later in life.
Infection or poor hygiene
Dental procedures require strict hygiene. A failure to sterilise tools or follow post-treatment protocols can lead to painful infections and potentially serious health risks.
Legal requirements for bringing a dental negligence claim
To bring a successful dental negligence claim in Maidenhead, you must prove two key legal points:
- Breach of duty: You must show that the treatment you received was below the standard expected of a competent dental professional.
- Causation: You need to demonstrate that this failure caused you harm, such as pain, additional dental problems, or emotional distress.
This typically requires a combination of:
- A detailed account of the treatment and events
- Dental records and imaging (e.g., X-rays)
- Expert opinion from an independent dental professional
At Marley Solicitors, we take care of compiling this evidence on your behalf and ensuring your case is presented clearly and persuasively.
What is the time limit to make a claim?
In most dental negligence cases, the time limit to make a claim is three years from either:
- The date the negligence occurred
- The date you first became aware that something had gone wrong
If the patient is under 18, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday. For individuals lacking mental capacity, different rules may apply. We always recommend speaking with a solicitor as soon as possible to ensure your claim remains valid.
How much compensation can I claim?
The compensation awarded in dental negligence claims depends on the severity and impact of your injuries. It may cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Costs of corrective dental treatment
- Travel and medical expenses
- Loss of earnings or income
- Emotional distress
- Impact on your appearance or quality of life
Some examples of potential compensation amounts include:
- Minor nerve damage or short-term pain: £1,000–£5,000
- Moderate damage requiring corrective treatment: £5,000–£15,000
- Severe or permanent damage, including facial disfigurement or permanent nerve damage: £20,000–£35,000 or more
Each case is unique, and our team will provide you with an accurate assessment based on the details of your situation.
Local dental services and complaints in Maidenhead
Maidenhead is served by a combination of NHS and private dental providers. If you received substandard treatment at any of the following, we can help investigate your claim:
- Strand Dental (Queen Street, Maidenhead)
- The Smile Rooms (Bridge Avenue, Maidenhead)
- Maidenhead Dental (High Street, Maidenhead)
- Pure Dental Surgery (Bath Road)
- NHS services under Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, including referrals from GP surgeries like The Cedars Surgery or Ross Road Medical Centre
If your initial complaint to the clinic was not resolved or your injury is serious, legal action may be your best option.
What is a no win, no fee service?
Marley Solicitors offers a no win, no fee service for eligible dental negligence claims. This means:
- You do not need to pay any legal fees upfront
- You only pay a fee if your case is successful
- Our fees are deducted from the compensation awarded, not your pocket
This removes the financial risk from making a claim and ensures that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
How Marley Solicitors can help
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how stressful and painful it can be to deal with the consequences of negligent dental treatment. That is why we provide:
- A free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case
- Clear, honest advice from experienced dental negligence solicitors
- Full support throughout the claims process
- A local team familiar with Maidenhead’s healthcare providers and procedures
- A commitment to securing the best possible outcome for your case
Our reputation is built on trust, professionalism, and a strong record of success in personal injury and medical negligence claims.
FAQs
Can I claim for a dental injury in Maidenhead?
Yes. If you received negligent dental treatment from a dentist or clinic in Maidenhead and it caused you harm, you may be able to claim compensation. Contact Marley Solicitors for a free consultation to discuss your case.
How much compensation can I get for dental negligence in Maidenhead?
Compensation varies depending on the severity of your injury, the financial losses you have incurred, and the impact on your daily life. While minor cases may receive several thousand pounds, severe or long-term injuries can lead to claims of £25,000 or more.
Speak to Marley Solicitors today
If you or a loved one has experienced negligent dental treatment in Maidenhead, do not suffer in silence. At Marley Solicitors, we are ready to listen to your story, advise you on your legal options, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
We offer a free initial consultation and a no win, no fee service to make the process as easy and risk-free as possible.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started. Our dedicated dental negligence team is here to help you every step of the way.
