Oral, maxillofacial and dental negligence
Your dental treatment left you numb or in pain. Let's find out why.
We investigate nerve injuries and harm from dental, oral and jaw surgery, and work to get you compensation for what you've been through.
The short answer
When a dentist or surgeon didn't take proper care, didn't warn you of the risks, or didn't refer you quickly when something went wrong, and you were left with lasting harm, you may have a claim.
Free and confidential · No obligation · Australia-wide
- PhD in lawDoctoral research on patterns of failure in medical negligence
- Since 2013Many hundreds of claims, including group claims
- Patients onlyNever hospitals or insurers
- Health law lecturerUniversity of Newcastle
Does this sound familiar?
It was meant to be routine
- Your lip, chin, tongue or cheek is still numb
- You have burning, tingling or shooting facial pain
- You were told the numbness would just go away
- Nobody referred you to a specialist when it didn't
- The risk of nerve damage was never explained
- A wisdom tooth, implant or root canal went wrong
If any of this happened, we can help you find out whether it should have.
What we do for you
Clear answers, a strong case, and a steady path through it
- 1
Find out what happened
We gather your dental records, scans and referral letters, and map each step of your treatment.
You get: answers, often for the first time.
- 2
Build the evidence
Independent oral and maxillofacial surgeons and dentists review the care you received.
You get: an honest view of your case.
- 3
Resolve it
We negotiate for what you need now, including treatment, pain management and lost income.
You get: support for what comes next.
How it works
- 1Free case reviewWe talk it through, in confidence
- 2Records and timelineWe request and map your records
- 3Expert reviewSpecialists assess the care
- 4ResolutionMost claims settle, within 18 to 24 months
At any stage: you can stop, ask questions, or contact us.
A note from Rosemary
Nerve injuries to the face are lonely. People often can't see anything wrong, and you may have been told to wait and see for months. I've worked on many of these claims, including group claims. The first weeks after an injury matter, so please don't wait to ask.
Dr Rosemary Listing
ContactThe legal test
Was it negligence?
Care fell short
Below what a competent dentist or oral surgeon would have done.
In plain terms: it shouldn't have been done that way.
It caused harm
Proper care would likely have avoided or reduced the injury.
In plain terms: it made a real difference.
You're within time
Usually counted from when you found out.
In plain terms: years ago may still count.
Featured guides
Start with these guides
Swipe or scroll sideways to see more →
Our work
17 guides on dental and facial nerve injury, arranged by what happened
Grouped by where you feel it and what went wrong. Open any group to see every guide.
- 1Dental treatment
Wisdom teeth, implants and extractions
2 guides - 2Numbness
Lip, chin, tongue and cheek
4 guides - 3Pain and missed diagnosis
Facial pain and nerve diagnosis
6 guides - 4Regulator decisions
Dental practitioners
5 guides
Treated years ago? You may still be in time.
Time usually runs from when you found out you'd been injured and why, not from the day of treatment.
Common questions
Questions people ask me
Nerve damage is a known risk. Can I still claim?
Possibly. A known risk can still involve poor technique, poor warning or slow referral.
I was told the numbness would go away. What now?
Ask for a specialist referral. The first weeks can matter for treatment.
Can I claim against a dentist, not a doctor?
Yes. Dentists and oral surgeons owe you the same duty of care.
Does it cost anything to find out?
No. The first conversation is free. See costs.
Still numb or in pain after dental work?
Talk it through with us. It's confidential, and free to find out where you stand.
Contact Free case reviewWritten by Dr Rosemary Listing, PhD (Law), medical negligence specialist and Of Counsel at Peter Evans & Associates. She is not medically qualified. Last updated 5 November 2026. Read our editorial standards.
References: Rogers v Whitaker (1992) 175 CLR 479; Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) ss 5D, 5O; Limitation Act 1969 (NSW).
General information only, not legal or medical advice. Legal services are provided by Peter Evans & Associates.