Coimbatore: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) has ordered a private dentist to pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation to a woman who suffered severe pain, infection, and additional complications due to medical negligence during a tooth extraction. Following the procedure, the patient experienced unbearable pain and, upon visiting another private hospital, discovered that pus had formed around her tooth socket as a result of improper extraction.
Based on the complaint filed by the woman, District Consumer Court President R Thangavel and member P Marimuthu directed the dentist to pay Rs 1 lakh for physical and mental suffering, along with Rs 5,000 for legal expenses.
The case dates back to February this year, when the patient from Pappanaickenpalayam visited a private dental centre in New Siddhapudur seeking treatment for tooth pain. After a scan, her tooth was removed, but she experienced intense pain for three days and returned to the clinic, which was closed. She then sought care at another hospital, where doctors found that the extraction had been done improperly, causing pus formation around the socket and improper sealing of the blood vessel connected to the tooth, resulting in fluid discharge.
Sources added that due to the dentist’s negligence, the patient lost one tooth and had to have two more removed, followed by a dental implant procedure. She incurred expenses exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh for scans, medicines, consultations, and implants. Acting on her petition, the DCDRC directed the dentist to pay Rs 1 lakh compensation along with Rs 5,000 for legal costs.
