what happens

[vaio]

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or what do you do, if you accidentally cut a patient's cheek or tongue with the bur on your hand piece? the patient may not feel it right then because of the anesthesia; will they most likely sue you afterwards?

 

[johntara04]

Just let them know before and after the appointment that they might be sore (they are going through a surgery) and for most people, some OTC painkillers will be sufficient if needed at all, BUT if they need to, they can call you and you will prescribe a stronger painkiller for them. Or, if you cut them bad, and if you trust them (probably more a possibility in private practice then at school) just send them home with a prescription telling them if need to get it filled, but if not, just shred the prescription.

 

[charlestweed]

No, they won’t sue you. You should explain to the pt that it was your mistake and apologize. That ‘s how I handle the situation when I accidentally cut the pt’s tongue/or cheek😱. It is usually not very painful even w/o anesthesia (since most of my orthodontic pts don’t need anesthesia)…. It shouldn’t be worse than biting your own tongue. The wound should heal in a couple of days.🙂

 

[I'mFillingFine]

Wait until the procedure is done, and when the pt is upright and comfortable say, "Well, everything went very well...[insert a quick explanation of what you did.] In the process, I nicked your tongue a small amount and when the anesthetic wears off it may be a bit sore, but it should heal very quickly. [insert any pain meds advice here]" Document that it happened and that you notified the pt in the chart, and you should be good. Good pt-practitioner communication is all about being honest when it's your fault without appearing insecure enough to lose their trust.