Patient sues DSO, dentist over bungled procedure

A woman is suing a dentist and a dental service organization (DSO)-affiliated practice in California for allegedly botching a dental implant procedure that resulted in her undergoing sinus surgery and left her in pain and needing a complete dental reconstruction.

Misty Edwards filed a lawsuit on September 23 in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara against DSO Western Dental Services and Dr. Mike Chen claiming dental negligence. Edwards is seeking general damages, loss of earnings due to her inability to work, attorney fees, interest, and costs.

"Defendants, and each of them, failed to provide the services, care, skill, ability and equipment necessary to skillfully diagnose and treat plaintiff's dental condition," according to the lawsuit.

In November 2022, Edwards went to Western Dental in Salinas, CA, and Chen reportedly presented a treatment plan to remove 14 teeth and replace them with implants and implant-supported dentures. In December 2022, Chen placed four implants and placed another in September 2023, according to the lawsuit.

Edwards' treatment continued until February 2024, when she underwent a computed tomography scan, and it was revealed that the implants negligently caused her sinusitis. She had to undergo sinus surgery for the sinusitis. Also, it purportedly showed that her implants were mispositioned, according to the suit.

Furthermore, Edwards alleges that the dental procedures were negligent and resulted in harm. Edwards claims the practice and Chen left her with pain, suffering, embarrassment, and incapable of eating comfortably. Due to their alleged negligence, Edwards needs dental reconstruction to repair the damage, according to the suit.

Additionally, Edwards accuses Western Dental Services of violating the state health and safety code, claiming that it failed to provide her with complete copies of her dental records.