Dentists Failed to Spot Tooth Decay in Teenager, Leading to Two Extractions

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16-year-old Matilda Bruchard has been given £10,000 in damages after two tooth extractions that took place because dentists didn’t detect her tooth decay.

Matilda, from Manchester, experienced pain for several months before having the teeth removed.

The teenager reports having first visited Dr Robert Pridding at the Wood and Woolfstein Dental Practice when she was five. When she reached 9, she already had signs of tooth decay and was provided with a filling in one of her back molars. Despite attending regular check-ups, Matilda’s family said the decay continued to get worse.

Eventually, Matilda returned to the practice with sore gums and severe toothache. After several visits due to pain, she went back to the practice when she was 14 (in April 2014). She was eventually given an X-ray, which revealed extensive decay in her left molar. Matilda requested another X-ray on the right hand side of her mouth as she was also experiencing pain on that side, but was told that it ‘could wait’.

Matilda’s family contacted solicitors at the Dental Law Partnership and were successful in securing £10,000 to cover damages.

Dr Pridding has neither denied nor admitted liability in the case, however the figure was approved by a judge at Manchester County Court. He did say he was pleased a settlement was reached and wishes her well for treatment in the future. He added that he strives to provide the best possible care for his patients.

Following the hearing Matilda said she had felt self-conscious after the experience, which had put a dent in her confidence. She said she had severe pain in her teeth on numerous occasions and was upset to find out it could have been avoided.

She now suffers with dental phobia as a consequence of the experience.

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