Ongoing Complications Following Root Canal Treatment in 2011…read more
I am writing to help shed light on a serious and ongoing complication from a root canal procedure performed at this office in 2011. Since that time, I have undergone three surgeries and still experience recurring infection and necrosis that has spread throughout my mouth, resulting in significant health issues. Recently I requested to have some of my health expenses with the proper receipts / notations from the health care providers. They ignored me then had an insurance lawyer write a unprofessional and inaccurate email back.
Upon reviewing the x-rays prior to the root canal, tooth #4 was clearly compromised, with clouding surrounding the tooth. However, both Dr. Defrancesco and Dr. Cohen assured me that this was "normal." After the procedure, I was informed that everything appeared to be fine and that any issues might be related to the crown, which was later replaced at my own expense.
Unfortunately, this did not resolve the problem, and the infection spread to other teeth, including #4, #5, and #2, as well as other areas in my mouth.
I had previously reached out regarding a refund for the procedure, though I wanted to wait for more clarity before taking further action. I knew there was much more to this problem and didn't just want a-refund for the rootcanal. During this time, I encountered unprofessionalism and resistance when I initially made this request. It's also notable that I am a friend of Dr. D's sister in law. If this is how they respond towards people they know on a more personal level how will they treat someone they don't?
The root canal procedure involved an apical puncture and overfill, leading to the infection. Immediate post-procedure x-rays revealed that the root canal was not properly executed, and the failure to inform me about the potential risks and complications constitutes a violation of the principle of informed consent. The toxic materials used in the overfilling can cause severe complications, and this has been the case in my situation.
The extent of the damage was not and could not have been known until after the supposed statute of limitations had expired. The complications, including the spread of the infection, were not immediately apparent and were only discovered after multiple surgeries. This was hard to prove without convincing a doctor to open up the area, and having money to do it, which finally was done. It is clear that negligence occurred during the procedure, and yet, thid office has not taken responsibility or even shown any sympathy for the harm caused.
Following the procedure, I experienced a severe decline in my health, (still having health issues from this to date) with documented issues such as severe sinusitis, post-nasal drip, sore throat, headaches, itchy eyes, vision issue, right ear issues/ pain and drainage issues, swollen lymph nodes, body pains, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological problems, anxiety, depression, stomach issues, cardiovascular problems, and irregular heartbeat.
These symptoms worsened over the years and persisted even after tooth #3 was extracted. The spread of infection and necrosis is the primary cause of these ongoing health issues. I now have a tumor on the right side of my neck from persistent issues from this un-acknowledge mistake. My lymph node on the right has been consistently enlarged. Again, I had no previous health issues and all issues are directly related to this.
Moreover, the most recent surgery on 3/15/2023 concluded that the original source of the problem in 2011 was tooth #4, not tooth #3 as initially diagnosed. This misdiagnosis led to an unnecessary root canal, which exacerbated the situation and instead cause me to almost die.
As dental professionals, it should have been recognized that tooth issues can and do manifest as sensitivity in surrounding teeth. Additionally, Dr. Cohen punctured the apex of tooth #3 and overfilled it into my right sinus cavity without informing me, a serious "oversight" called malpractice. Had they diagnosed me properly and didn't perform a root canal on a healthy tooth none of this would have happened.
Given the severity of the situation and the lasting impact on my health, I asked for partial compensation for the procedures not including harm caused or the work and schooling loss I incurred. I cannot afford to get implants which is causing issues with my jaw being uneven. Instead Ive been thrown away like yesterday's trash while they filled their pockets with my money and at the cost of my health/ life.
My only hope at this point is to have my voice be heard, even on a small scale such as this and save someone else for having this happen to them.
