Nerve Damage After Tooth Extraction: Can You Claim Compensation?

Dental treatment should improve your oral health. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong, especially with serious procedures like tooth extractions, it can leave lasting problems. One of the most distressing complications is nerve damage, which can affect sensation and quality of life.

What Is Nerve Damage After Dental Treatment?

Nerve damage occurs when the delicate nerves in the jaw are permanently or temporarily injured during dental procedures. This is most common in:

• Wisdom tooth removals
• Other surgical extractions
• Dental implant placement

Symptoms of nerve damage may include:

• Numbness of the tongue, lip, chin, or gums
• Tingling or “pins and needles” lasting weeks or longer
• Pain or burning sensations
• Difficulty eating, drinking or speaking

Not every nerve injury is negligence, some are known risks of treatment, but when a dentist’s care falls below reasonable standards and causes avoidable harm, compensation may be available.

When Can You Claim Compensation?

To claim compensation for nerve damage, it must be shown that:

1) The dental treatment fell below the standard expected of a competent dentist, and
2) This substandard treatment caused the nerve injury.

UK law requires that treatment must fall below what a reasonably competent dentist would have provided, simply having a bad outcome isn’t enough. An independent dental expert report is usually critical in establishing whether negligence occurred.

Case Example: A £45,000 Dental Negligence Success

At Aston Knight Solicitors, we have a strong track record in dental negligence cases – including instances where other firms declined to take up the case. One notable success involved a client (referred to as Mr A to protect privacy) who suffered extensive dental complications over a period of more than 10 years due to negligent treatment.

Despite having been turned away by two other legal firms, Aston Knight accepted the case, instructed specialist dental expert evidence, issued proceedings, and ultimately negotiated a £45,000 settlement for the client – a result he was delighted with.

This case shows that:

• Specialist legal advice can make a real difference
• Early rejection by another solicitor doesn’t necessarily mean you have no case
• Compensation may be obtained even in complex, long-running situations

Why Specialist Legal Advice Matters

Dental negligence claims, especially those involving nerve damage, can be complex. They usually involve:

• Review of medical and dental records
• Independent expert reports from senior dentists
• Careful legal strategy and, if necessary, court proceedings

At Aston Knight, our specialists solicitors work closely with experienced dental experts to assess each case thoroughly and advise on the best step forward. Our No Win, No Fee approach means there’s typically no financial risk for clients exploring their options.

Comment from Managing Director Mr Ayoub Khan:

“Nerve injuries following dental procedures can have a profound impact on someone’s life, affecting both function and confidence. We believe that if someone has been harmed because of substandard dental care, they deserve the best expert legal support available to them . Our team combines specialist knowledge with personalised client care, and we are proud to be recognised for our work in dental negligence cases.” – Ayoub Khan, Managing Director

How to Take the Next Step

If you or someone you know is suffering persistent numbness, pain, or altered sensation after a tooth extraction or other dental procedure, you may have grounds for a dental negligence claim.

At Aston Knight Solicitors we offer free, no-obligation consultations and handle claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. We’ll assess your case with care and explain your options clearly. If you have experienced dental negligence contact us to speak with one of our specialist solicitors.