Q: Is failure to provide pain relief after a difficult dental extraction, due to policy prohibiting narcotic analgesics, a tort?
Is it considered a tort if a dentist fails to provide adequate pain relief following a difficult dental extraction due to a practice policy that prohibits narcotic analgesics? There were no complications during the procedure, but I was advised to take more OTC ibuprofen than the manufacturer's instructions, which I already maxed out for my rheumatoid arthritis. I discussed this issue with the dental office immediately after the procedure.
A:
It is probably not a tort. The American Dental Association recommends that dentists not prescribe narcotics for pain relief following a tooth extraction.
There are various studies showing that over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) control pain as well or better than narcotics after dental surgery.
But, you need to consult another dentist about the "standard of care" for pain relief following your particular surgery with your particular medical history. There may well be facts not mentioned in your question that are relevant to whether your dentist followed the "standard of care" in your particular situation.
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