A Patient’s Struggle with Dental Complications and the Aftermath
A patient who suffered from a series of dental complications has received over £9,000 in compensation after enduring infections and the loss of a tooth. Tom Chown, a resident of Tunbridge Wells, had been a regular at iSmile Dental Practice since 2002. He described his long-term dentist, Dr Simon Azimi, as someone he had complete faith in. However, what began as a routine filling in 2018 eventually led to a series of issues that culminated in the removal of a tooth.
The Start of the Problems
Mr Chown recalled that the initial filling was supposed to be a simple procedure. “I had no concerns at all,” he said. But the filling did not settle well, and it became the source of ongoing problems. A year later, the filling needed adjustment, and by early 2020, the tooth fractured. Dr Azimi diagnosed an infection and severe decay, prescribing antibiotics and suggesting a root canal treatment. Although Mr Chown underwent the procedure, the issues persisted, leading to more pain and further complications.
Escalating Issues and a Second Opinion
By the end of 2020, the root canal was causing significant discomfort. Mr Chown was advised that a second root canal might be necessary if the pain continued. However, the problems remained unresolved, prompting him to seek a second opinion. At another dental practice, he discovered that two dental files were left behind in the tooth, which caused an infected abscess. This ultimately led to the extraction of the tooth, leaving a gap that required costly implant treatment and time off work.
Legal Action and Settlement
In 2023, Mr Chown contacted the Dental Law Partnership, and the case was resolved in April 2025 with an out-of-court settlement of £9,250. However, Dr Azimi did not admit liability for the events that transpired. Mr Chown expressed his frustration, stating that the infection had left him unwell and affected his family life, including missing a Christmas due to illness. The loss of the tooth also impacted his ability to eat and chew properly, creating long-term challenges.
Perspectives from Both Sides
Rebecca McVety of the Dental Law Partnership highlighted that the distress experienced by Mr Chown was unnecessary and could have been avoided with better treatment. On the other hand, Dr Azimi refuted any claims of negligence or deceit. He pointed out that he had treated thousands of patients since becoming a principal dentist in 2012 and maintained that the risks associated with procedures like root canals were always discussed with patients beforehand.
Dr Azimi also clarified that he had not treated Mr Chown before 2012, as he was not in the UK prior to that time. He claimed that his clinical notes showed that the situation was being monitored and that no urgent intervention was deemed necessary at the time. Additionally, he stated that Mr Chown did not return for further check-ups.
Despite the resolution of the case through an out-of-court settlement, Dr Azimi expressed disappointment, emphasizing the longstanding trust and rapport he had built with Mr Chown and his family over the years. He reiterated his commitment to providing safe and ethical dental care to all his patients.
Ongoing Impact on the Family
The incident has had a lasting impact on Mr Chown’s family. His young children are now fearful of the dentist, and it takes considerable effort to convince them to visit. Mr Chown now lives with a false tooth, a constant reminder of the ordeal. While the matter has been settled, the experience has left deep emotional and practical consequences for the entire family.
This case underscores the importance of clear communication between dentists and patients, as well as the need for thorough follow-up care. It also highlights the complexities involved in resolving medical disputes, where both parties may have differing perspectives on the events that transpired.
