On July 25, 2024, Danielle M. Geils filed a lawsuit in the Fifth Circuit Court of Marion County against Citrus Oral and Facial Surgery in Ocala, Florida, and her attending physician, Rushi S. Patel, alleging that inadequate sedation and improper procedure during a wisdom tooth extraction resulted in a fractured mandible.
The lawsuit states that in April 2024, Geils visited the clinic, located at 2611 SE 17th Street, Suite A, for an evaluation to remove teeth 1, 16, 17, and 32. Due to anxiety about the procedure, Geils specifically requested that the procedure be performed under general anesthesia.
On May 22, 2024, Geils underwent the wisdom tooth extraction at the clinic. While surgical records indicate that she exhibited belligerent behavior during the procedure, the lawsuit states that this was primarily due to her inadequate sedation.
Specifically, during the extraction of tooth 32, Giles “suddenly jerked her head forward,” at which point doctors discovered a fracture in the right angle of her mandible.
According to the lawsuit, the incidence of mandibular fractures during wisdom tooth extraction is extremely low, at only 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 15,000. While fractures can occur for a variety of reasons, the complaint cites inadequate sedation and surgical technique as potential causes.
Following the injury, Giles underwent further treatment at the University of Florida Health Center, where she underwent surgery to repair the fracture and had a metal plate and screws implanted in the bone. She claims she continues to suffer complications from the fracture.
Gills alleges that Dr. Patel failed to ensure she was adequately sedated during the procedure and applied excessive force during the extraction, which directly led to the fracture.
The incident caused her physical injuries, pain, disability, and a decreased quality of life. She also faces significant medical expenses and loss of income and future earning potential.
She is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, not including attorney fees and other related expenses.
Notably, Citrus Oral and Facial Surgery also has a clinic in Crystal River, Florida.