Woman sues dentist after 4 root canals, 8 dental crowns and 20 fillings in a single visit
MINNEAPOLIS– A Minnesota woman has sued her dentist after receiving four root canals, eight dental crowns and 20 fillings in one visit that she claims led to her deformity.
Kathleen Wilson filed the lawsuit last week in Hennepin County District Court, accusing Dr. Kevin Molldrem of Molldrem Family Dentistry in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, of providing negligent treatment in July 2020 that caused Wilson significant injuries, along with providing an unsafe dose of anesthesia. and falsifying medical records to cover it up, the Star Tribune reported.
Molldrem and his attorney, Nathaniel Weimer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press on Thursday.
According to the Star Tribune, Wilson's legal team has appointed Dr. Avrum Goldstein, a dentist in Florida, was brought in to provide an expert opinion and review Wilson's medical records from Molldrem and subsequent health care providers. Goldstein's November 14 report identified several breaches of duty of care.
Goldstein said in the report that Molldrem made the correct diagnosis but provided poor quality treatment.
Wilson had tooth decay on “virtually every tooth in her mouth, which is quite rare,” Goldstein wrote. Molldrem's attempt to restore all of Wilson's teeth in one visit did not reduce her susceptibility to disease or potential for tooth loss, he said.
“Katie needed a slow, thoughtful, careful and measured response to her illness. Trying to fill every cavity in every tooth in her mouth in one visit is not only the antithesis of what was indicated, it is not humanly possible to accomplish this in an effective or constructive manner,” Goldstein said, adding that it is “ unthinkable” is to address 28 teeth in 5 ½ hours.
One challenge with a long appointment is maintaining adequate anesthesia, Goldstein said. The maximum dose is 490 mg, but Molldrem administered Wilson 960 mg.
Wilson's records show that Molldrem said he administered eight tubes of dental anesthesia known as carpules. But Goldstein discovered that the first dose alone was eight carpules, and he administered fifteen carpules during the visit.
Wilson went to another dental office for an examination that revealed recurring tooth decay and other damage. In 2022, she underwent treatment for several months at the University of Minnesota Dental School “for repair and replacement of many of her restorations in an effort to stabilize her mouth,” Goldstein said.
If all of Wilson's teeth ultimately have to be removed and replaced with implants, Goldstein said, “All the work done and all the associated costs will have been for nothing.”
In addition to the medical costs, Wilson said she suffered pain, shame, disfigurement and fear. She is seeking at least $50,000 in damages.