A man has taken a High Court action for damages against a dental surgeon, alleging severe pain following a dental procedure eight years ago. Mr Peter Geoghegan, owner and managing director of Associates Rewinds (Ireland) Ltd, formerly of Rathfarnham, Dublin, and now living at Straffan, Co Kildare, is suing Dr David Harris, a maxilla facial surgeon, with a practice at the Blackrock Clinic, Co Dublin.
Mr Sean Ryan SC, for Mr Geoghegan, said his client was refer red to Dr Harris to find out if he could have four implants in his jaw. Dr Harris told him there was insufficient bone in relation to one implant and a small bone graft would be needed to add to the existing bone which had receded.
The operation took place on July 1st, 1992. When Mr Geoghegan awoke, he was in pain. Dr Harris said he had done three implants in the upper part of the mouth but had not done the lower one as it was too close to the site of the bone graft. Mr Geoghegan visited the surgeon in awful pain on July 6th.
Dr Harris took X-rays and told him his mouth was healing beautifully. On July 28th, there was a question whether there might be some trapped fluid in the gum but none was found. Dr Harris has said he advised Mr Geoghegan that although implants were well-documented and proven, no firm guarantee could be given when combined with a graft. In his experience, such an outcome had been most favourable.
He advised Mr Geoghegan that the main post-operative problems were swelling and bruising and some numbness of the lower lip or chin. He denied advising him that the procedures would involve no pain or that he advised him there was no possibility of any long-term risks of pain or damage.
He denies negligence or breach of duty and claims that if Mr Geoghegan sustained the injuries, he was guilty of contributory negligence in that he discharged himself from hospital against medical advice; failed to make himself available for treatment; failed to keep an appointment and failed to have due regard for his welfare.
The hearing was adjourned until today.