Speech therapist sues dentist for Rs 10 crore after career-ruining wisdom tooth surgery

A woman has sued her dentist for leaving her with nerve damage (Representational image)

A speech therapist from Cambridge, UK, is seeking over Rs 10 crore in compensation from her dentist after a botched wisdom tooth extraction left her in constant pain, and impaired her professional life and overall well-being.

Alison Winterbotham, 55, asserts that her career was derailed after Dr. Arash Shahrak’s removal of her lower right wisdom tooth in November 2020 allegedly resulted in severe nerve damage. According to Winterbotham, the procedure almost severed her lingual nerve, which is crucial for tongue sensation, leaving her in perpetual pain.

Describing her ordeal in court, Winterbotham likened the pain to a persistent burn, as reported by Metro.co.uk. "My tongue is burning and tingling all the time and I’m in pain," she testified. "Every time I move my tongue to talk a little bit, the nerve gets hyper-stimulated, making the burning and tingling even worse. It’s worse when I speak."

She revealed that the pain has hindered her ability to work as a speech therapist, a profession that demands constant speaking. "I desperately want to continue my career," she said, but noted she can only manage to see two or three counselling clients a day due to the need for frequent breaks from talking.

"Even seeing this many patients can feel like a struggle. If I try to see four clients a day, it feels unmanageable."

The repercussions of the chronic pain also include disrupted sleep, difficulties eating and drinking, and significant social withdrawal, she claimed.

Winterbotham’s case against Dr. Shahrak hinges on the accusation that he failed to properly inform her of the risks associated with the surgery and did not offer less risky alternatives, such as a coronectomy, which involves removing only the crown of the tooth and leaving the roots intact.

Winterbotham said she was not adequately advised about the potential for nerve damage nor offered a bone scan to assess the risk.

Dr. Shahrak, however, denies any negligence, maintaining that he provided comprehensive information about the potential hazards before the procedure.

The dentist’s legal team also disputes the compensation amount (£956,528), suggesting it is excessive and arguing that Winterbotham could potentially resume more of her professional duties. Neuro speech therapy expert Robena Dhadda, testifying in defense, suggested that Winterbotham’s reluctance to return fully to work may stem from a lack of confidence rather than the severity of her condition.

For Winterbotham to win her case, she must first prove that Dr. Shahrak breached his duty by not fully disclosing the risks and potential alternative treatments. If successful, she then must demonstrate that the nerve damage could have been avoided with a different treatment approach.