Woman sues dentist for medical malpractice

CHARLESTON -- A woman is suing Charleston Dental Associates and a dentist after she claims he caused her pain and poorly treated her condition.

In January 2008, Linda Johnson was seen by Dr. Ernest N. Pennington, who took impressions of her mouth in preparation for a bridge, according to a complaint filed June 25 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Johnson claims the material used to make the impressions caused complications and an infection in her gums and because of the complications, the bridge fit improperly and left roots exposed, which caused pain.

On Feb. 19, 2009, Johnson was seen by Dr. Richard Smith, who caused her to believe that previous treatment by Pennington "may have constituted medical malpractice," according to the suit.

Johnson claims prior to her visit with Smith, she had thought her previous treatment with Pennington had been unpreventable or was a bad result that was not necessarily caused by a breach of the standard of care by the defendants.

As a result of the defendants' negligence, Johnson has had to have teeth removed, painful procedures performed and considerable other work done, according to the suit.

Johnson is seeking compensatory damages. She is being represented by Christopher J. Heavens.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1148