Last Updated on April 23, 2026 by tanya

Dental Negligence Claims for Lingual Nerve Injury

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

Your Step-By-Step Guide to Compensation

Dental negligence claims for lingual nerve injury may be pursued if you have suffered from numbness, pain, loss of taste or speech difficulties following dental work because of a poor level of care by your dentist. Negligence is when your dentist breached their duty of care by providing a substandard level of care. This means it fell below professional acceptable standards which resulted in direct harm to you.

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms mentioned, you may want to find out more on making a dental negligence claim.

We work with lawyers who are experienced in dental negligence claims. They also offer a No Win, No Fee option which means no upfront costs for you to worry about.

 

What Is Lingual Nerve Injury?

The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve that controls sensation – touch, pain and temperature – in the front two-thirds of your tongue. Damage to this nerve may often during procedures like wisdom tooth extraction or dental implant surgery. This can result in:

Persistent numbness on one or both sides of the tongue

Loss of taste or altered taste sensation

Tingling or burning feelings

Speech difficulties

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Drooling or loss of tongue control

 

If these symptoms last longer than eight weeks or show no improvement, your injury could be permanent, increasing the potential value of your claim.

 

When Can You Claim Compensation for Dental Negligence?

You can claim compensation if:

 

• The dental treatment fell below the accepted standard of care
• You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result
• The negligence occurred within the last three years

 

This applies whether you were treated by an NHS dentist or a private practitioner.

 

Common Examples of Dental Negligence Leading to Lingual Nerve Injury

Incorrect or poorly performed wisdom tooth extractions

Failure to warn about known risks of nerve damage

Improper use of dental tools during surgery

Inadequate post-operative care

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of complications

 

If your dentist failed to follow proper procedures or didn’t obtain informed consent, you may have a strong case for compensation.

 

How to Start a Dental Negligence Claim for Lingual Nerve Damage

1. Seek Medical Assessment

Before making a claim, consult a medical professional to confirm the extent of your lingual nerve injury. You may need to obtain:

 

• Dental records and treatment notes
• X-rays or scans
• A specialist report confirming the injury and its cause

 

This evidence is important as it helps establish causation – the link between the dentist’s actions and your injury.

 

2. Contact a Dental Negligence Solicitor

Choose a solicitor who has strong experience in dental negligence claims, particularly those involving nerve damage. We partner with solicitors who offer No Win, No Fee services, meaning you won’t pay unless your claim succeeds.

Your solicitor will:

 

Review your case and evidence

Arrange independent expert assessments

Handle communication with the defendant or their insurer

Negotiate a settlement or represent you in court if necessary

 

3. Build Your Case

To prove dental negligence, your solicitor must show:

 

Duty of care – The dentist owed you a professional duty.

Breach of duty – The dentist failed to meet the required standard.

Causation – The breach directly caused your lingual nerve injury.

Damages – You suffered harm as a result.

 

What Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation is divided into two categories:

General Damages

These cover the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (quality of life) caused by the injury

Special Damages

These reimburse you for financial losses you have suffered due to the harm caused, including:

 

Cost of corrective dental treatment

Private medical care

Travel expenses

Lost earnings

Medication costs

 

Your solicitor will help you gather receipts and documentation to support these claims.

 

Time Limits for Making a Claim

It’s crucial to know that you must start your claim within three years of:

 

The date of the negligent treatment, or

The date you became aware of the injury

 

However, exceptions apply for children whose three year limit starts on their 18^th birthday and for individuals lacking mental capacity, there may be no time limit.

 

What If the Dentist Has Retired or Left the UK?

You can still make a claim. Compensation is typically paid by the dentist’s professional indemnity insurer or the dental practice where they worked.

 

Do You Need to Go to Court?

Most dental negligence claims are settled out of court. However, if liability is disputed or the compensation offer is too low, your solicitor may advise taking the case to trial. They will represent you throughout the process.

 

Tips to Strengthen Your Claim

 

Act quickly – Don’t wait until the deadline approaches

Keep records – Save all correspondence, receipts, and medical reports

Avoid social media – Public posts may be used against you

Follow medical advice – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans

Choose the right solicitor – Experience in dental nerve injury claims is crucial

 

Ready To Take The Next Step?

Lingual nerve damage can have a severe impact on your life. If you believe your injury was caused by dental negligence, you have the right to seek compensation.

At First Personal Injury, we work with expert lawyers who operate on a No Win, No Fee basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk.

Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online for an initial, no-obligation consultation.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional and a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.