Patient sues dental practice over surgery; Claims she had out of body experience and believes she nearly died

GRETNA – A local dental practice is being sued by a patient for medical malpractice over alleged complications due to a latex allergy and misdiagnosis.

Amanda Altazan filed suit against Charles P. Silvia Jr. DDS, M.D.; Southern Oral Sugery LLP and Dr. Robert E. Lane DDS in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 4.

Altazan alleges that on Feb. 7, 2013 Silva performed oral surgery on her at Southern Oral Sugery offices located at 4224 Houma Blvd. in Metairie. The plaintiff contends that during the surgery her mother walked into the room when she found Altazan “disoriented, white as a ghost, crying, shaking uncontrollably, mouth and jaw swollen” and immediately knew something was wrong.

Altazan asserts that after the surgery her mouth was red and very painful and that when her mother called Southern Oral Sugery to complain of her pain she found out the dentists had used latex gloves, which Altazan allegedly told them she was allergic to before the surgery. In a visit with her family doctor later on, the plaintiff claims she was diagnosed with a rash consistent with a latex allergy.

On Feb. 26, 2013 the plaintiff alleges she visited another oral surgeon for a follow-up who purportedly found she was suffering from dry sockets that the defendants overlooked and for which she received treatment over the the period of a few weeks.

Due to the complications and resulting medical conditions following the surgery, Altazan contends she missed work, experienced severe prolonged bouts of pain, could not lift more than five pounds and lost 20 to 25 pounds because she could not eat certain foods.

Also, following the surgery, Altazan claims she remembers waking up during the procedure due to convulsions, medical staff holding her down, having an out of body experience and believing she nearly died at the time.

The defendant is accused of medical malpractice, failing to note the plaintiff was allergic to latex and failing to timely diagnose the plaintiff’s dry socket condition.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought by the plaintiff.

Altazan is represented by attorney Gerald Wasserman of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.

Case no. 746-425.