Dental Malpractice in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania: What Patients Need to Know

Just as people visit doctors to treat and prevent medical issues, they rely on dentists throughout Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania to protect their oral health. Dental procedures are generally safe and play an important role in overall health. Unfortunately, dentists and dental staff sometimes make serious mistakes that cause lasting harm.

If you were injured after dental treatment in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Kingston, Pittston, or surrounding communities, it's important to understand what dental malpractice is—and what legal options may be available to you.

What Is Dental Malpractice Under Pennsylvania Law?

Dental malpractice is a form of medical malpractice. If a dentist fails to meet the accepted professional standard of care and a patient is injured as a result, the patient may pursue a claim for compensation.

In Pennsylvania, a successful dental malpractice case generally requires proof that:

• The dentist owed you a duty of care
• The dentist breached that duty by acting negligently
• The negligence directly caused your injury
• You suffered damages as a result

Damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the cost of corrective dental or medical treatment.

It's important to understand that unfavorable results alone are not enough. The dentist must have acted negligently, and that negligence must be supported by evidence—often including expert testimony.

Common Types of Dental Malpractice in Northeastern Pennsylvania

While dental malpractice can take many forms, some types of negligence are seen more frequently in Pennsylvania cases, including:

• Failure to diagnose or properly treat dental conditions
• Failure to detect oral diseases or abnormalities, including oral cancer
• Improper sterilization of dental or surgical instruments
• Use or installation of defective dental products or implants
• Failure to review or update a patient's medical history
• Surgical errors that cause nerve damage, sinus perforation, or severe soft tissue injury

Any of these mistakes can result in serious and sometimes permanent harm.

Common Injuries Caused by Dental Malpractice

Dental malpractice injuries are often painful and may require extensive follow-up care. Patients in Luzerne County commonly suffer injuries such as:

• Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or chronic pain
• Jaw or facial injuries
• Severe infections
• Tooth loss or structural damage to the mouth
• Delayed diagnosis of serious conditions, including oral cancer

These injuries can interfere with daily life, employment, and long-term health.

Get Legal Help for Dental Malpractice in Luzerne County

Dental malpractice claims are complex and heavily defended. Dentists and their insurers often dispute fault and damages, making experienced legal representation critical.

At Sklarosky Law, we represent injured patients throughout Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania, helping them hold negligent medical and dental providers accountable.

If you believe you were harmed by a dentist's mistake, don't wait. Pennsylvania law strictly limits the time you have to file a claim.

Call Sklarosky Law at (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.