Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 4/26/2007

Question
I went to the dentist 2 days ago for a root canal.  I don't know the exact procedures for this, but in the process, he burnt my tongue really bad.  Shouldn't the dentist have used a rubber dam to prevent injury to other parts of my mouth.  I don't like the fact that I pay over 700 dollars and I walk out of there with more pain than needed.  Is there anything I can do?

Answer
Dear Abby Miller,

Yes-- the dentist should have used a rubber dam if possible. However, there are situations where the use of a rubber dam is impractical or outright impossible, and your case may fall into this category.

However, the type of soft tissue injury you describe should optimally not have happened-- it may have occurred during use of hot instruments, or perhaps a chemical burn from the antiseptic irrigant used during the procedure.

You should return to your dentist to assess the severity of the injury and determine if any further intervention is necessary to encourage normal healing.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY