Nev. dentist not guilty in root canal lawsuit

A jury in Nevada has found in favor of a Winnemucca dentist who was sued for malpractice over an endodontic procedure he performed in 2008.

Plaintiff Natasha Stilwell sued Jeremy Keener, DDS, after the procedure temporarily left her face and a portion of her nose with raw sores and lockjaw, according to a story in the Silver Pinyon Journal.

Although she suffered no long-term injury, Stilwell sued to recover medical expenses and for pain and suffering, the Journal noted.

Stilwell went to Dr. Keener with a toothache in August 2008, and Dr. Keener determined she had an infection in one of her molar teeth. They discussed various treatment options, including extraction, but decided on a root canal.

Shortly after the procedure was done, Stilwell began to complain of blurred vision and severe pain, according to the complaint. Dr. Keener immediately flushed the canal, but Stilwell continued to complain of pain and her cheek began to swell, run red, and bruise, the Journal reported. She subsequently developed small white sores in the treatment area as well. It took four months for her condition to heal and another five months before she could fully open her mouth.

Under Nevada law, if a patient receives a chemical burn, even accidentally, it is presumed the dentist committed malpractice and thus has to prove his or her actions were within the standard of care.

A witness for the defense testified that the white sores were shingles brought on by the "dental trauma," according to the Journal.

In finding Dr. Keener not liable of dental malpractice, the jury determined his actions did not fall below accepted standards of care. According to testimony, he moved quickly when Stilwell began to complain of pain, flushed the tooth, provided general care, and followed up with her after she left his office, the article concluded.