Houston periodontist accused of malpractice for using equipment without training

A Cypress man claims he suffered permanent damage to his teeth when a Houston dentist improperly used equipment to treat a botched root canal. 

Gary Ricketts filed suit the lawsuit against periodontist Dr. J. Robert Friedberg Sept. 2 in Harris County. 

 

Ricketts says he consulted with Dr. Friedberg in August 2009 after undergoing an unsuccessful root canal and follow-up treatment. He says Dr. Friedberg recommended surgical extraction of the problem tooth followed by a bone graft. 

 

According to the complaint, Dr. Friedberg used an electric hand piece to complete the procedure. Ricketts says the periodontist used the new equipment, even before receiving the required training

 

Ricketts claims Dr. Friedberg used the hand piece improperly and caused the bone around the tooth to be overheated. He claims the teeth adjacent to the extracted tooth were damaged.  

 

Ricketts says, two months after the procedure, the bone around the graft site was sticking out of his jaw and was extremely painful. Ricketts says he forcibly removed the excess bone. 

 

Ricketts accuses Dr. Friedberg of malpractice for not attending training prior to using the electric hand piece and for failing to disclose his lack of training prior to performing the tooth extraction. 

 

Ricketts is asking to be compensated for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment and disfigurement.

 

Attorney Papa M. Dieye, of Houston, is representing Ricketts. They demand a jury trial.

 

Harris County District Court Case No. 2010-55169