Facial Nerve Pain
Facial Nerve Pain After Dental Procedures
Facial nerve pain after a dental procedure can be life-altering. Patients often experience chronic pain, numbness, or loss of sensation that impacts their ability to eat, speak, and live comfortably. If this injury was caused by dental negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Greaney Scudder Law Firm, we have decades of experience holding negligent dentists accountable and securing financial recovery for our clients. If you suspect your nerve pain resulted from a dental mistake, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Facial Nerve Pain?
Facial nerve pain (also called trigeminal or lingual nerve injury) occurs when dental work damages critical nerves in the face or jaw. These injuries often cause:
- Severe, persistent pain
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Numbness in the tongue, lips, or face
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
Because nerves heal slowly—if at all—these injuries can result in lifelong discomfort and disability.
Common Causes of Facial Nerve Injury in Dentistry
While some nerve damage risks are inherent to oral surgery, many cases happen because of preventable mistakes. Common negligent causes include:
Root Canals: Overfilling or incorrect instrument use
Wisdom Tooth Extractions: Cutting too close to major nerves
Dental Implants: Misplaced drilling damaging nerves
Anesthesia Errors: Injection into the wrong area
When dentists ignore proper safety protocols, patients suffer. Our legal team investigates whether your injury was caused by malpractice and fights to hold the responsible party accountable.
How Dental Malpractice Causes Facial Nerve Damage
Not every poor outcome is malpractice—but when a dentist fails to meet the standard of care, they can be liable for your injuries. Examples include:
– Performing complex procedures without referring to a specialist
– Using improper techniques or failing to monitor for complications
– Inadequate consent or failure to warn about risks
If you’re unsure whether malpractice occurred, our attorneys can review your case and explain your legal options.
Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Nerve Injury
Facial nerve injuries often cause more than physical pain. Victims report:
- Loss of taste
- Chronic burning or sharp pain
- Emotional distress, depression, and anxiety
- Impaired ability to work or enjoy daily activities
Many patients require extensive medical care, nerve repair surgery, or ongoing therapy, creating financial strain on top of physical suffering.
Your Legal Rights and Compensation
If your facial nerve pain resulted from dental malpractice, you may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses: Past and future care
- Lost wages: If you missed work or cannot return to your job
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation—though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Steps to Take if You Have Facial Nerve Pain
- Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation – Document your injury and begin treatment.
- Gather Dental Records – Obtain procedure notes and billing statements.
- Contact an Experienced Attorney – Do this before speaking to the dentist’s insurance company.
The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.
Treatment and Recovery Costs
Treatment options may include:
- Medications for pain management
- Corrective surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
These costs add up quickly, and insurers often undervalue nerve injury claims. That’s why legal representation is essential to ensure your future care is covered.
Contact A Lawyer You Can Depend On
If you suffer from facial nerve pain, contact our dental malpractice attorneys by emailing us or calling 253-859-0220. We know how to hold dentists and their staff accountable for their actions, and we are ready to fight for you.
FAQ’s
How do I know if my nerve injury was caused by malpractice?
How do I know if my nerve injury was caused by malpractice?
Malpractice occurs when a dentist fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury. This could include errors during surgery, improper anesthesia, or failing to refer you to a specialist when needed. Our attorneys can review your case to determine if negligence was involved.