An individual assessment
Discuss whether you can pursue accidental dental injury claims
Dental injury claims on this page concern trauma from an accident, such as a collision, fall or impact. Treatment-related dental negligence is a separate service. AJS needs evidence of how the accident happened and the condition of the teeth before and after it. Discuss the recommended restoration, practical effects and likely future needs with the firm rather than assuming the price of an implant alone represents the value of the whole claim.
See the wider bone, joint and soft tissue injury claims serviceDistinguish accidental damage from negligent dentistry
What needs to be established
Teeth can be damaged in a road collision, fall, workplace event or sporting incident. The accident claim concerns responsibility for that event. It is different from an allegation that a dentist's treatment was negligent. If both issues arise, give the complete sequence and identify what additional damage is attributed to later care rather than treating all dental problems as one allegation.
How this affects your enquiry
Keep the original dental history, accident records, emergency attendance and treatment plan. Pre-existing restorations, decay or missing teeth can affect the assessment of attributable damage and future needs. Disclose them accurately. An expert must distinguish restoration of the accident-related loss from work that would have been needed independently.
Assess ongoing treatment rather than one replacement price
What needs to be established
Dental trauma can involve temporary restorations, later definitive work and possible maintenance. The appropriate course and likely future costs require clinical evidence. An implant estimate should not be treated as automatically necessary or recoverable merely because a tooth was damaged. Ask what treatment is recommended and why, including any uncertainty during healing.
How this affects your enquiry
Explain effects on eating, speech, appearance and work, together with reasonable treatment travel and expenses. AJS can consider these losses as part of the accident enquiry and coordinate relevant expert evidence. If already represented for the collision or fall, disclose that instruction before seeking a separate dental claim.
Prepare for your accidental dental injury claims discussion
Give a focused account of your circumstances
Keep emergency dental records, tooth charts, radiograph references and proposed treatment costs. Record the accident and preserve relevant scene evidence safely. Identify earlier crowns, implants or dental problems so damage can be assessed against the baseline. Note pain, eating difficulties and appointments, including any insurer payment already received for dental care.
Agree scope, costs and the next action
Discuss scope and funding before instruction. Read our costs information and ask which terms would apply to your case.
Accidental dental injury claims: questions before instructing
Is a damaged crown valued as though the tooth was previously intact?
Not automatically. The prior condition and restoration need to be considered alongside the new damage. Provide earlier dental records where available so an expert can assess what additional treatment and loss were caused by the accident.
Can future replacement of dental work be considered?
It may be relevant where supported by a credible treatment and prognosis assessment. The frequency, cost and need should be evidenced, not assumed from a generic lifespan. Explain the proposed plan and any alternative treatment options discussed.
How is dental trauma different from dental negligence?
Trauma concerns damage from an accident; negligence concerns additional harm caused by substandard dental care.
Why are earlier dental records important?
They help distinguish accident damage from pre-existing decay, restorations or other treatment needs.
Can a broken crown be included in an enquiry?
Yes. Ownership of the treatment history, prior condition and accident-related damage need evidence.
Does losing a tooth guarantee the cost of an implant?
The suitable treatment, need and recoverable cost require clinical and legal assessment.
Can future replacement of dental work be considered?
Potentially, where the expected lifespan and future needs are supported by appropriate evidence.
Should I preserve fragments of a broken tooth?
Follow urgent dental advice about handling and treatment; evidence preservation must not delay necessary care.
Are eating and speech difficulties relevant?
Describe their nature, duration and clinical reporting alongside any direct treatment expenses.
What if several teeth were damaged?
A coordinated treatment and loss assessment should account for overlapping consequences.
Can a child's permanent-tooth injury be investigated?
Yes. Developing treatment needs and appropriate representation require individual consideration.
Does a sports mouthguard prevent a claim enquiry?
Its use is relevant context but does not resolve the alleged conduct or responsibility on its own.
What if I needed treatment before the accident anyway?
Disclose it so the additional accident-related cost and injury can be identified fairly.
Can private dental estimates support the claim?
They can inform assessment, but proposed treatment and reasonableness must be examined rather than accepted automatically.
Should I delay urgent repair until an insurer approves?
Obtain appropriate clinical care and advice about documenting treatment; legal arrangements should not dictate unsafe delay.
Are cosmetic improvements recoverable with repairs?
Not automatically. Separate accident restoration from elective upgrades unrelated to the damage.
What if another driver has admitted the collision?
That may assist liability, but dental causation, prognosis and losses still need evidence.
Can dental anxiety after trauma be assessed?
Describe symptoms and treatment honestly; the nature and cause of any psychological injury need evaluation.
Does accepting payment for emergency dentistry settle everything?
Check the payment terms and any release, particularly regarding future treatment or other injury losses.
How do I request a dental accident assessment?
Give AJS the accident, teeth affected, previous dental condition and recommended restoration with relevant dates.
Sources and further reading
England and Wales claim enquiries. Ask about jurisdiction for other locations. See our terms and information about this website.
Related claim services
Speak to Alexander James Solicitors
Ask about your accidental dental injury claims
Contact AJS with a short account of the incident and any approaching deadline.