TVM dentist faces police complaint after root canal instrument gets lodged in teenager's stomach

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A 17-year-old girl was hospitalised after a sharp dental instrument entered her stomach during a root canal procedure at a private dental hospital in Aruvikkara, Thiruvananthapuram.

The girl's mother has filed a police complaint against the dentist, alleging negligence and failure to inform the family about the incident.

The complainant, Seema of Thekkanath Mele Lane, Vattakulam, Aruvikkara, is an employee of the Aruvikkara Farmers Service Cooperative Bank.

Girl shifted to hospital after X-ray detects instrument

The incident reportedly took place on October 31. Seema brought her daughter to the private dental hospital at around 4.15 pm for root canal treatment. She then left for the bank, entrusting the girl to the care of an employee known to her.

When Seema returned about 30 minutes later, her daughter was no longer at the hospital. On enquiring with the staff, she learnt that a sharp dental instrument had entered the girl's stomach during the procedure.

The girl had reportedly complained of discomfort and was first taken to a private clinic in Aruvikkara and later to a private hospital in Karakulam.

An X-ray examination at the hospital revealed that the instrument was lodged in the girl's stomach. She was subsequently shifted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for specialised treatment. It is learnt that the instrument lodged is a root canal file.

Mother alleges hospital failed to inform family

In her complaint, Seema alleged that the dental hospital staff took her daughter to the private hospital in Karakulam on a two-wheeler without informing her or other family members.

She also alleged that the dentist had inserted fingers into the girl's mouth and tried to induce vomiting after the instrument was swallowed.

A police complaint has been filed against the dentist in connection with the incident.