The pursuit of a healthy and confident smile is a journey many of us undertake, relying on the expertise and care of dental professionals. However, the trust placed in these practitioners can be shattered when negligence leads to lasting physical and emotional trauma. Such is the story of Leanna Painter, a woman whose dental experiences allegedly turned into a nightmare, leaving her with permanent scars and a profound loss of confidence.

Leanna's ordeal allegedly began with a series of what she describes as "shambolic" dentist appointments. These appointments, spanning over two years, purportedly failed to address underlying issues, resulting in severe pain, recurrent infections, and ultimately, the loss of two teeth. This unfortunate situation highlights the importance of consistent and thorough dental care, emphasizing the need for dentists to accurately diagnose and effectively treat dental problems.

The consequences of these alleged failures extended far beyond mere discomfort. Leanna recounts the distressing experience of having "nasty infected pus" filling her mouth, a symptom indicating a serious infection that should have been promptly addressed. The failure to properly diagnose and treat the tooth decay at the center of this issue allegedly led to a cascade of negative effects on Leanna's health and well-being. This underscores the critical role that early detection and intervention play in preventing minor dental issues from escalating into major health concerns.

At the peak of her dental problems, Leanna's face became so swollen that she felt compelled to isolate herself, avoiding social interactions and concealing her smile. This demonstrates the significant impact that dental issues can have on a person's self-esteem and mental health. The discomfort and embarrassment associated with visible dental problems can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, further emphasizing the importance of addressing dental issues promptly and effectively.

Even years later, Leanna claims she is still haunted by the "nasty taste of infected pus" in her mouth, a constant reminder of her traumatic dental experiences. This lingering sensation serves as a testament to the lasting psychological effects that can result from inadequate dental care. The memory of pain, infection, and the feeling of being let down by dental professionals can stay with a person long after the physical symptoms have subsided.

According to Leanna, this entire ordeal could have been avoided if her dentists had properly diagnosed and treated her tooth decay. This highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis in dental care. Failure to identify and address the root cause of a dental problem can lead to ineffective treatment and further complications. In Leanna's case, the alleged failure to diagnose and treat tooth decay allegedly resulted in a series of increasingly severe problems, ultimately leading to the loss of two teeth.

Leanna explains that she has always been self-conscious about her teeth, especially after having a tooth knocked out at a young age. However, she adds that this recent experience has only exacerbated those feelings. This demonstrates the profound impact that negative dental experiences can have on a person's self-perception and confidence. The smile is often one of the first things people notice, and when it is affected by dental problems, it can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.

Despite maintaining good dental hygiene practices, including brushing three times a day, Leanna still experienced significant dental problems. This highlights the fact that good oral hygiene is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also essential for detecting and preventing dental problems. In Leanna's case, even diligent oral hygiene practices were not enough to prevent the alleged failures of her dental practice from taking a toll on her teeth.

Leanna describes her experience as a "shambles," citing rude and dismissive attitudes from the dental surgery, as well as the need to pay extra for a second opinion. This underscores the importance of patient-centered care in the dental profession. Patients should feel respected, valued, and listened to by their dental providers. When patients feel that their concerns are being dismissed or ignored, it can erode trust and hinder the effectiveness of treatment.

Even after enduring so much pain and distress, Leanna still faces the prospect of further dental work, including multiple implants. This highlights the long-term consequences of inadequate dental care. Problems that could have been easily addressed in their early stages can lead to more complex and costly treatments down the line. In Leanna's case, the alleged failure to properly treat her tooth decay has allegedly resulted in the need for extensive and expensive restorative procedures.

To correct the damage allegedly caused by her previous dental practice, Leanna has incurred significant dental costs, totaling at least £17,500. This demonstrates the financial burden that can result from dental negligence. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, patients who have been harmed by substandard dental care may also face significant financial challenges in order to restore their oral health.

According to Leanna, she had one tooth extracted at a different practice due to "significant pain." However, this did not resolve the underlying issues, and she continued to experience "problematic root and gum pain." This emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the root cause of dental problems, rather than simply treating the symptoms. In Leanna's case, the extraction of one tooth did not alleviate her pain because the underlying infection and decay had not been properly addressed.

In 2017, Leanna sought treatment from a new dentist, but her dental problems allegedly continued to worsen. This highlights the importance of finding a dental provider who is not only skilled and experienced but also committed to providing patient-centered care. When patients feel that their dental needs are not being met, it is essential to seek a second opinion and find a provider who can offer the appropriate treatment and support.

Leanna requested sedation when getting additional fillings due to severe gum pain. She was then diagnosed with acute gum disease in November 2017 and sent home with antibiotics and mouthwash. However, her condition continued to deteriorate. This emphasizes the importance of comprehensive treatment for gum disease, which may involve more than just antibiotics and mouthwash. In some cases, scaling and root planing, or even surgery, may be necessary to effectively treat gum disease and prevent further complications.

In 2018, Leanna began experiencing problems with two additional teeth in her lower-right jaw. One tooth received a filling that repeatedly fell out, while the other was also filled with a warning that it might eventually be lost. This illustrates the importance of using high-quality materials and techniques when placing dental fillings. Fillings that are not properly placed or that are made of inferior materials are more likely to fail, leading to further decay and potential tooth loss.

The tooth with the repeatedly failing filling worsened over time, leading to infections and eventual extraction at the hospital in 2021. This highlights the importance of addressing dental problems promptly and effectively. Delaying treatment can allow minor issues to escalate into more serious problems, requiring more invasive and costly interventions.

Following repeated "awful" infections, Leanna had the second tooth removed in 2021 at a different clinic. The constant pain, facial swelling, and foul taste of infected pus in her mouth lasted for months, leaving her feeling miserable. This demonstrates the profound impact that dental infections can have on a person's quality of life. Dental infections can cause significant pain, swelling, and fever, and in some cases, can even spread to other parts of the body.

Leanna's negative experiences allegedly damaged her trust in dentists to the point where she felt compelled to seek treatment from a new practice in London. This highlights the importance of building trust between dentists and their patients. Patients who trust their dental providers are more likely to follow their recommendations and seek treatment when needed. When trust is broken, it can be difficult to restore, potentially leading to delays in treatment and poorer oral health outcomes.

To correct the damage caused by her previous dental practice, Leanna has already undergone two dental implants and has been told that she needs five more, costing around £2,500 each. This underscores the significant financial investment required to restore oral health after experiencing dental negligence. Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, but they are also one of the most expensive dental procedures.

Leanna said the whole ordeal has had a lasting impact on her confidence, making her self-conscious about smiling and often covering her mouth with her hand. While the two implants have improved her smile and drawn compliments, the experience has been "awful." This further emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact that dental problems can have on a person's self-esteem and well-being. The smile is an important part of a person's identity, and when it is affected by dental issues, it can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Analysis by the Dental Law Partnership (DLP) alleged that Leanna's dentists failed to diagnose and treat decay in two teeth. The firm claims that her facial swelling, infections, severe pain, and tooth loss could have been avoided if her condition had been managed correctly. This highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment in dental care. When dentists fail to meet the standard of care, it can lead to serious harm to their patients.

Tim Armitage, from DLP, stated that the distress and pain Leanna experienced were completely unnecessary and could have been avoided with more satisfactory treatment. The case was settled in January 2025, with Leanna being awarded £8,500 in compensation from her former dental practice. While compensation can help to cover the costs of corrective treatment and compensate for pain and suffering, it cannot undo the emotional and psychological harm caused by dental negligence.