Medico-legal aspects of altered sensation following endodontic treatment : a retrospective case series

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze cases of liability claims related to persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatments so as to characterize the medico-legal aspects of this complication. Study design: A comprehensive search of an Israeli professional liability insurance database was conducted to retrospectively identify and analyze cases of persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatment. Results: Sixteen claims of persistent altered sensation following endodontic treatments were identified and analyzed. The typical profile of a claim was a female patient who underwent an endodontic treatment at a second mandibular molar, which was associated with overfilling. A significant correlation between the tooth location and the suggested cause of nerve injury was found. None of the claims were reported by the practitioners, and all cases were identified as a result of the patient's demand for financial compensation, either directly or by legal actions. Conclusions: When a nerve injury is diagnosed, the treating practitioner should be encouraged to seek medical and legal assistance so as to prevent permanent damage and to enable a better medico-legal response.