Extractions are like pulling teeth
Extractions have become a minefield over the past few years, the Dental Defence Union (DDU) has warned, offering advice to dentists on how to improve their teeth-pulling skills.
The DDU has, over the past six years, seen a 22% increase in the number of complaints or claims made regarding extractions.
Complaints include post-operative pain and allegations of insufficient consent or removing the wrong tooth.
Chairman of the DDU dental advisory committee Paul Robinson said: “Good communication is arguably of most importance so that the patient understands why you are advocating a particular form of treatment, and understands and accepts the risk of any potential complications.
“Remember: what you tell your patient pre-operatively is sound professional advice; what you tell them afterwards may be viewed as an excuse.”
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