Decision Report 201702492

Summary

Mr C complained that dental staff at the practice had failed to deal appropriately with his concerns that his gums continued to bleed after having four teeth extracted. He was on warfarin medication (a medication to prevent blood clots) which meant that he was at high risk of bleeding. He reported this to a dentist, who said that it would be alright and he could leave the practice. When Mr C got home, the bleeding continued and he contacted the practice again and was asked to attend. He saw a different dentist, who also said that he was not to worry and the bleeding would stop. However, the bleeding continued that evening and Mr C had to attend hospital where the bleeding eventually stopped and he was sent home.

We took independent advice from an adviser in general dentistry and concluded that the first dentist was aware that Mr C was on warfarin medication, that they had checked his clotting status prior to the extractions and that they had stitched and packed the tooth sockets following the extractions. The first dentist had also provided Mr C with a detailed post-operative instruction sheet, which provided advice on action which should be taken regarding any bleeding. We did not uphold the complaint.