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dental malpractice lawsuit involving a botched surgery will move forward to trial in St. Clair County, Illinois.
The lawsuit was filed by Dennis Reed, a singer, who claims the botched surgery to remove a temporary bridge has hurt his singing career. The lawsuit was filed against Dr. Harvey Breckner, Dr. Dane Robinson, and Dr. Mark Beehner.
Reed claims that Dr. Breckner fractured two of his teeth during the surgery, and that the newly installed bridge didn't fit properly, resulting in a cross bite. Reed also sued Breckner for breach of contract over his dental expenses.
In the lawsuit, Reed states that his dental problems have affected his ability to change notes with the speed and accuracy needed for his profession.
According to the lawsuit, Breckner agreed to accept financial responsibility for the injuries and for Reed's follow-up treatment.
After reaching an agreement with Breckner, Reed saw Dr. Beehner, who installed implants for two of the damaged teeth. But according Reed, Beehner used gloved hands to install the implants instead of sterile instruments. He also claims Beehner didn't take x-rays to determine whether or not there was enough base bone to place implants in his mouth, and that the implants impinged on his nerve. Reed is claiming that he suffered an infection, paralysis of the lip and lower jaw, bone and gum loss, disfigurement, and damage to his ability to sing.
In the lawsuit, Reed also claims that Dr. Robinson pierced part of his mouth and hit a nerve while implanting teeth, that he didn't use the implants properly, and that he used a non FDA-approved protein. Reed claims the treatment he received from Robinson made him more susceptible to infection, and that it caused the same problems he suffered from Dr. Beehner's treatment.
All three of the dentists listed in the lawsuit are being sued for pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of income, disability, medical expenses, and other charges.
Reed is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
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