By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 11:44, Monday, 16 April 2012

A patient who launched legal action against her dentist has received a £2,000 out of court settlement.

Jane Harrison

Jane Harrison, 46, of Denton Holme, Carlisle, claimed she had been the victim of negligent treatment after he performed root canal treatment without her consent.

She also claimed he gave her a badly fitted crown that may not have been needed, leaving her in a lot of pain.

Miss Harrison launched legal proceedings against Dr Rene Tiller following her treatment in 2010. At the time he was working at the Central Dental Practice in Victoria Place, though the case was against him as an individual, not the practice itself.

Dr Tiller, who it is believed has now left the country, did not admit liability for his actions but did agree an out of court settlement of £2,150.

Miss Harrison, who was represented by specialist solicitors from the Dental Law Partnership, started visiting Dr Tiller after her previous NHS dentist went private.

She said she was told on her first appointment that she needed a crown. “I was shocked to hear this. I visit the dentist regularly and had never had any problems or hints that this may be the case,” she explained.

Soon after it was fitted, she said it started causing her pain.

“It was badly fitted and bled every time I brushed my teeth. It also caused me to have bad breath which was very embarrassing.”

Miss Harrison decided to change dentists to get the problem resolved. She claimed she was told by her new dentist that Dr Tiller had performed root canal treatment on her tooth before fitting the crown, something she had never been made aware of. However, only one of the two roots had been filled, leaving room for an infection to develop.

As a result she was told she would have to have it redone and a new crown fitted.

Her lawyer, Kate Chadwick, said evidence showed Dr Tiller had not taken x-rays prior to treatment or made any notes about the work.

“The lack of w-rays and notes is inexcusable and meant Dr Tiller did not know the length of the root to be filled and did not realise the tooth had two roots.

“Without these it is impossible to tell if this treatment was even necessary.”

Speaking after the settlement, which will cover the costs she’s already paid out to repair the problems, Miss Harrison said: “I’m happy with the settlement and that this is finally behind me. My new crown is perfect, I’ve had no problems with it and you can’t even tell it’s there.

“The most annoying thing is that I’ve always looked after my teeth. Now I’ve lost that tooth and am going to have to live with a crown for the rest of my life,” she added.

Mr Tiller was unavailable for comment.

First published at 11:29, Monday, 16 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk