News Summary
A Kansas City man is suing his dentist after a metal file was accidentally dropped down his throat during a root canal. John Bussard claims negligence for not using safety equipment led to the incident. Following the event, Bussard suffered significant health issues, including a permanent neck scar. The case raises serious questions about safety protocols in dental practices.
Kansas City Man Sues Dentist After Metal File Accidentally Dropped Down His Throat During Root Canal
Kansas City, MO—A local man has filed a lawsuit against a dentist following an incident where a metal root canal file was accidentally dropped down his throat during a dental procedure. The lawsuit was submitted to Jackson County court by John Bussard, who claims inadequate safety measures led to the distressing event that occurred on July 18, 2023, at Dental Arts KC in Independence.
The lawsuit specifically names Dr. Jeremy Bowen as the defendant in the case. The legal documents state that while performing a root canal on Bussard, Dr. Bowen allegedly failed to utilize essential safety equipment such as a dental dam or other protective instruments designed to prevent the ingestion of dental tools. This negligence is at the core of Bussard’s legal complaint.
According to the allegations, after the file lodged in Bussard’s throat, Dr. Bowen attempted to resolve the crisis by taking Bussard to his personal bathroom with the intention of inducing vomiting to retrieve the lodged file. However, this effort proved unsuccessful. Troublingly, it is claimed that no ambulance was called for immediate medical assistance. Instead, Bussard was driven to the hospital by Dr. Bowen’s dental assistant, while he followed in his own vehicle.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Bussard underwent surgery to remove the metal file and was subsequently admitted for further evaluation and treatment. In the weeks following the incident, he has reportedly been experiencing several adverse effects, including difficulty swallowing, a raspy voice, challenges in verbal communication, and a permanent scar on his neck as a result of the necessary surgical intervention.
The lawsuit not only highlights the circumstances surrounding the incident but also raises questions about Dr. Bowen’s qualifications. Although he has some training in endodontics, the plaintiff purports that Dr. Bowen does not hold board certification or a master’s degree in this specialized field. Regardless of his current role, which includes serving on the board of trustees for the Missouri Dental Association and a previous presidency at the Greater Kansas City Dental Board, the lawsuit argues that these qualifications do not suffice to mitigate the alleged negligence displayed during the procedure.
Dental Arts KC, the practice where the incident occurred, has not publicly responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit or the claims made by Bussard. The case highlights potential safety protocol concerns in dental practices and serves as a reminder of the importance of proper procedures in clinical environments.
Background Context
Root canal treatments, while common, require the strict adherence to safety protocols to minimize risks associated with the procedure. Dentists utilize various tools, including metal files, to remove infected tissue and shape the canals within teeth. The presence of a dental dam or similar devices is considered standard practice in order to prevent the accidental ingestion or aspiration of instruments.
This incident raises broader discussions about dental practice safety protocols and the potential consequences of failing to implement such preventive measures. With medical malpractice lawsuits becoming increasingly prevalent, dental professionals may need to reassess their compliance with established safety guidelines to protect their patients and themselves from potential legal repercussions.
As this case progresses through the legal system, it will be closely monitored by both the dental community and the public for its implications on dental practices in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star
- Wikipedia: Dental Surgery
- Fox 4 KC
- Google Search: Dental Negligence
- KSHB
- Google Scholar: Dental Malpractice
- Arkansas Advocate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dental Care
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
