Dental allergy claims occur when patients react to dental materials and seek compensation for an allergic reaction.
This article runs through the common dental allergens, gives information in relation to how to document reactions and the steps that you can take to pursue a legal claim.
Having the right information and expert advices critical when looking to succeed with your claim.
Key Takeaways:
- Dental allergies are fortunately quite rare but can cause a range of symptoms that can have an impact on oral as well as physical health.
- Reactions that include respiratory symptoms, skin reactions and general symptoms can all be associated with dental allergies.
- Allergic reactions to dental material can be triggered in some individuals.
- Immediate intervention is crucial and measures such as rinsing with salt water and applying a cold compress can help to ease dental allergic reactions.
- Treatment options range from avoiding allergens and buying over-the-counter remedies and undertaking desensitisation therapy.
- There are legal remedies available for those patients who suffer an allergic reaction in circumstances involving negligence and no win no fee agreements are available for claims such as these.
Common Allergic Reactions in Dentistry
Going to the dentist can involve a minefield of potential allergens which can lead to reactions that range from minor skin irritations such as itchy red rashes on the skin to severe airway issues Affecting the lower and upper airways.
The most common causes of dental allergic reactions include local dental anaesthetics, dental antibiotics and latex which can cause reactions and symptoms to develop in individuals who are susceptible.
Whatever the type of dental allergic reaction an individual has, it is crucial to the treatment of these cases is immediate and effective to prevent potentially life threatening incidents.
The Importance of Comprehensive Allergy Disclosure to Dentists
It’s so important that when patients visit the dentist they are open and honest when completing dental questionnaires about their allergies. It’s clear that dental professionals need comprehensive and accurate information to enable them to carry out their work safely and to ensure the provision of the best possible care.
There is a wide scale of possible allergic reactions that can occur in the dentist chair from mild symptoms such as itching and redness to real and serious emergencies involving anaphylaxis.
By being advised of the patients allergies dentists are able to avoid substances that could trigger a reaction thereby helping to keep the patient safe from any adverse consequences.
Ensure Safety through Updated Medical Records
A survey found that 42% of gps rely on their computer to alert them in relation to drug allergies but it is also essential that patients clearly advise their dentists of any allergies. In spite of the use of computerised systems it needs to be remembered that these medical records need to be updated on a regular basis to ensure that any new allergies which come to light are highlighted.
It’s also important to remember that when sharing medical history the patient needs to include all allergies even if they do not seem related to dental care. This ensures that dentists are able to make safe choices for treatment and knowing all about a patient’s allergies means that the dentist is able to pick the right medicines and use the right materials.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking some allergies are not relevant to dental care. For example someone suffering with a latex allergy can impact upon the type of gloves used.
“Patients play a crucial role in ensuring their own safety by disclosing all their allergies, even those that may appear unrelated to their dental treatment.”
The Risks of Undisclosed Allergies with Dental Treatments
Not telling your dentist about allergies can be dangerous. Over 1000 cases have shown serious harm from giving a drug to an allergic patient. This shows why it’s so important to share each and every allergy with the dentist.
A study for NICE found many drug allergy medical records were incomplete. The onus is on the dentist to make sure they have up to date allergy information about their patients but equally patients must tell their dentist about allergies in oder to stay safe.
Allergy-Related IncidentsReported CasesDrug Allergy Incidents (2005–2013)18,079Deaths6Severe Harms19Other Harms4,980Near Misses13,071
Although it is extremely rare, allergic reactions to local anaesthetics can and do still occur. In the first instance the amount of confirmed allergies to anaesthetics administered locally is tiny, less than 1% but in those rare cases involving an anaphylactic allergic or severe reaction, with associated symptoms such as:
Itchiness
Redness
Swelling
Breathing Problems
When an allergic reaction happens then of course immediate and urgent medical intervention is crucial.
Allergies arising from the use of Dental Antibiotics
Penicillins and cephalosporins are probably the most commonly relied upon antibiotics in dental practice as they effectively treat a wide range of dental infections.
It’s interesting to know that although 10% of patients declare a history of Penicillin allergy as much as 90% of these patients can tolerate penicillin. It also appears that the risk of cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is often overstated with many patients who claim to have a penicillin allergy being able to have cephalosporins without a reaction.
These findings underline how important it is that allergy testing and re-assessment of reported antibiotic allergies are undertaken. An allergist or immunologist is able to carry out this type of testing and if the results prove negative this will be a very strong sign that the allergy is not or no longer present. Taking such action can only help to prevent the unnecessary exclusion of these effective drugs, ensuring better treatment outcomes for patients.
You may have a dental latex allergy claim that you can discuss with our expert solicitors.
Dental Latex Allergy
Having a dental latex allergy can be fairly common. Historically latex was used extensively within the dental practices but during the late 1980s in 1990s there was a significant increase in latex allergies arising from heightened infection control join the aids epidemic.
However since this time there has been a huge shift away from using latex materials with dental practices using wherever possible latex free materials. This trend away from latex is also linked to the healthcare providers improved knowledge and there inclination to create latex free environments. So natural rubber which was once prevalent in dental practices have now been replaced by safer alternatives in the large part.
You may have a dental latex allergy claim that you can discuss with our expert solicitors.
Gluten Allergies and Dental Products
When you think of gluten the first thing that springs to mind is probably food but did you know that gluten can also be found lurking in dental products? From fluoride treatments to oral prostheses made with MMA and then there’s also prohy pastesand therapeutic agents where gluten can be found.
For those who suffer with gluten allergies the hidden danger can clearly cause health risks. For this reason it’s important that the dental practitioner offers gluten free alternatives to keep the allergy sufferer safe.
Allergies to Dental Materials & Products
Dairy too can be found in dental products. There are ingredients like recaldent which is a milk protein which can sometimes be found in toothpaste and sugar free chewing gums. Casein is another milk protein that can be used as an ingredient in some dental materials and treatments.
When these ingredients are exposed to individuals suffering with dairy allergies the symptons can range from mild ones such as hives, swelling of the lips or tongue or itchiness to Severe reactions that might involve difficulty breathing and full blown anaphylaxis.
Why is Dental Material Allergy Testing So Important?
You cannot underestimate the importance of testing in the context of allergy dental care so that patient’s remain safe.
Testing assesses how the immune system responds to individual substances thereby helping dentists to provide tailor made treatment to minimise the risk of adverse reactions.
There are a number of techniques that are undertaken to test for allergies which depend upon the potential allergy the patient has as well as the patient’s medical history.
Skin Tests
One of the most common tests is the skin test where a small amount of allergen is applied to the skin and then any reaction is observed. Whilst this type of test can cause a moment or two of mild irritation the symptoms ordinarily subside quickly without any long lasting effects.
Skin prick tests are carried out quickly and take just three to five minutes per allergen and are a quick way of establishing a patient’s sensitivity to various allergens.
Blood Tests
Blood tests Are another method of diagnosing allergies and work by detecting specific antibodies that can be found in the blood. Blood tests take typically only 10 minutes to produce the results but they may not be quite as effective as skin tests in highlighting certain analogies.
Patch Tests
On occasions patch tests can be recommended by consultants. This is where patches, which actually contain various allergens, are placed onto the skin and are then monitored for results. Patch test can be invaluable in terms of identifying different causes of skin rashes and again the results can be seen quickly within 3 to 5 minutes.
Oral Challenge Tests
It’s also possible to take oral challenge tests where tiny amounts of allergens are eaten whilst being medically supervised. These tests can take much longer to carry out and cna check for common allergens including pollen, dust and pet dander all at the same time.
Summary Of Dental Allergy Tests and their Duration
| Allergy Test | Duration |
|---|---|
| Allergy Blood Test | About 10 minutes |
| Skin Prick Test (per allergen) | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Patch Test (per allergen) | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Oral Challenge Test | 3 to 4 hours (depending on allergens) |
Claiming Compensation for Dental Allergy Claims – Do You Qualify?
If you have suffered an allergic reaction during dental treatment, it’s crucial to determine if you can pursue a successful claim.
Establishing Dental Negligence
To qualify, it must be shown that the dental practitioner owed you a **duty of care** and breached that duty, causing you harm. For instance, if the dentist knew or should have known about your allergy but exposed you to the allergen, you may have grounds for a claim. You’ll need to prove the exposure caused the reaction and resulted in harm.
Who Can You Claim for Dental Allergies Against?
Dental Allergy Claims can be pursued against both **NHS and privately run dental practices** for negligence related to your treatment.
Dental Compensation You Can Seek
Compensation for Dental Allergy Claims typically covers damages for:
– **Physical pain and suffering**
– **Psychological distress**
– **Financial losses**
Taking Action
If you believe you’ve suffered due to dental negligence, your first step is to consult with a **specialist personal injury solicitor** experienced in allergic reaction claims. They can assess your situation, explain your rights, and discuss your options moving forward.
By consulting with a solicitor, you can determine the viability of your allergic reaction claim and assess its prospects for success. 👍
Know and Understand Your Rights
- All patients have the ability to claim compensation in the event that their dentist has failed to provide a reasonable standard of care.
- Perhaps the dentist has failed to advise the patient about the risks when carrying out certain treatment or may have mishandled materials even leading to a fatal allergic reaction .
- Dental negligence can arise from both physical and psychological harm caused by inadequate treatment, or failure to properly inform patients about potential risks and allergens.
Seeking the Legal Advice You Need For Dental Allergy Claims
There’s no doubt that bringing a dental allergy claim can be a complicated affair and just the thought of pursuing matters can be daunting but by reaching out to obtain free legal advice it can make a huge difference.
Having a conversation with a personal injury claims solicitor on a no obligation basis can help to clarify your thoughts and provide you with reassurance in terms of whether to bring a claim in the first place.
If you do decide to start a claim and instruct a specialist allergy solicitor you will not only be able to leave matters in their hands but by appointing a solicitors you will significantly enhance your chances of success and of receiving compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common allergic reactions giving rise to claims in dental practices?
In dental practices common allergic reactions include reactions to local anesthetics, antibiotics (especially penicillins and cephalosporins), and latex. These allergic reactions can range from minor skin irritations to severe anaphylaxis airway compromise.
How should a dental practice manage an immediate allergic reaction?
In an emergency the dental procedure needs to be stopped immediately, and the patient placed in a comfortable position. Emergency medications, such as adrenaline, need to be on hand and ready to be administered as required. There should be emergency protocols in place to handle any severe reaction so that the whole procedure is managed effciently and the patient’s safety is prioritised. With the right protocols in place then further complications arising from allergic reactions can be minimsed and outcomes are improved.
What legal steps should I take if I suffer an Allergic Reaction due to a Dental Medical emergency involving negligence?
If you experience an allergic reaction arising out of dental or medical negligence anywhere, gather together evidence such as treatment details and write down a chronology. Get in touch with a personal injury solicitor so you can discuss matters and receive legal advice in relation to the prospects of success. Acting straight away is crucial to safeguard your legal rights when bringing an allergic reaction claim.
Can I get compensation for an Allergic Reaction during Dental Treatment?
Absolutely, you can pursue an allergic reaction compensation claim for an allergic reaction arising out of dental treatment. Compensation may cover a whole range of items including physical injuries, pychological distress, medical expenses, and any other adverse impact on your life. The amount of compensation will depends on the severity of the allergic reaction and how long it impacts on your life.
Is No Win No Fee available for Dental Allergy Claims?
Yes, we offer a genuine No Win No Fee service and a no obligation initial call to assess your dental allergic reaction claim to help you understand your eligibility for compensation. If you contact us then we will be able to let you know if we believe you can claim compensation and if so we will be able to let you know how much compensation you are likely to receive.
Meet the author
David Healey has worked in the legal profession since 1999 and qualified as a solicitor in 2005. He has successfully settled thousands of personal injury claims and recovered millions of pounds in compensation for victims. He handles personal injury litigation at Carter & Carter Solicitors and has specialised in the field of personal injury for 25+ years.
David is a hands-on solicitor who deals with every aspect of the claim from start to finish. He will be ruthless in his quest to secure his clients the best result possible having honed his legal skills during a very varied career.
To learn more about David, the team at C&C Solicitors and the legal services they offer, please visit www.candcsolicitors.co.uk/about-us/ or speak to David on 01663 761 892
