Audra Weston, a 55-year-old cleaner from York, received £25,000 in an out-of-court settlement following being “left with almost no front teeth.”
The claim was issued against Jonathan McCarthy at Clifton Dental Practice. Audra was a patient with the practice between 2010 to 2018.
According to The York Press, Audra claimed, “she had experienced years of tooth loss, recurrent mouth infections and inadequate fillings after visiting the dentist, complaining of discomfort in her mouth several times.”
The Dental Law Partnership, Audra’s representatives, said, “Emergency treatment, including extractions and root canals, and medication were prescribed on a number of occasions but, by 2018, Ms Weston was left with almost no teeth in the front of her mouth on her top or bottom jaw.
"Despite having dentures installed, she often experienced mouth infections which meant it was too painful for the denture to remain in her mouth."
Audra commented, “It got to a point where I was basically left with no teeth - I couldn’t keep the denture in so I was left with my gums.
"I couldn’t eat anything as my gums were so painful it made it impossible to chew and I felt so self-conscious of my mouth that I was scared to leave the house. I didn’t like going out because it was so embarrassing.
“My daughter got married during this time, and I had to leave early and couldn’t be in any of the photos because I was so anxious about my appearance.
“I was on a constant stream of antibiotics as I experienced infection after infection. It was miserable.”
The Dental Law Partnership alleged Jonathan of failing to “acknowledge and appropriately treat issues early enough,” ultimately leading to the traumatic experiences which followed. They claimed remnants of roots from extractions were the cause of the recurring infections.
Reflecting on her experience, Audra said, “It really has been a living nightmare. My gums are permanently misshapen, and my mouth is warped. Although I am finally getting new dentures, I will never get the last few years of constant distress back.”
Jonathan McCarthy said, “While I do not accept the accuracy of the facts conveyed by The Dental Law Partnership, I am limited in what I can say because of patient confidentiality.
“I am pleased the matter has been bought (sic) to a satisfactory conclusion and that all parties can now move on.”
Jonathan did not admit liability.