Dental Nightmare Leaves Father with Lifelong Pain and Anxiety

After a series of misdiagnoses by his longtime dental practice, Steven Rahman, a 53-year-old IT specialist from St Ives, Hampshire, has faced a life-altering ordeal due to untreated cysts in his jaw. This troubling situation has not only resulted in physical pain but has also severely impacted his mental well-being and social life.

Steven’s dental issues began with tenderness in his jaw, which he reported during regular private check-ups every six months. Despite his concerns, his London dental practice, where he had been a patient for over 15 years, assured him that nothing was wrong. It was only after changing dental practices years later that X-rays revealed two cysts that had been growing unnoticed for years.

The implications of this oversight were profound. The cysts caused severe pain, leading Steven to undergo complex hospital surgery, including the placement of a plastic tube in his jaw to drain one of the cysts. “I was in so much pain and discomfort. I couldn’t eat solid food for several weeks, and my mouth was constantly full of blood,” Steven shared. The surgeries left him with a swollen face and ongoing challenges, such as a loss of sensation in parts of his jaw, chin, and lips, along with painful clicking in his ears.

As a result of the cysts damaging the roots of several teeth, he required root canal treatments on three of them. This added to the stress and discomfort he experienced during his recovery, making everyday activities like eating and socializing increasingly difficult. “I feel that I can’t open my jaw wide. This means I can’t eat food properly; otherwise, it feels like my jaw will go out of place,” he explained.

In response to the inadequate care he received, Steven sought legal assistance from the Dental Law Partnership. Their investigation concluded that the cysts could have been diagnosed and treated much earlier, dating back to 2007. In April 2025, he was awarded £30,000 in an out-of-court settlement. The dentist involved in his case denied any liability for the oversight.

Reflecting on his experience, Steven expressed his frustration: “As a patient who paid for regular check-ups to pre-empt any dental problems for over 20 years, I put my trust in dental professionals. I’m just so disappointed and don’t understand how he couldn’t have noticed the cysts developing over the years.”

The emotional toll of his ordeal continues to haunt him. He now feels anxious at the thought of anyone coming near his mouth, fearing the fragility of his dental health. Last year, he experienced an infection near the teeth that had undergone root canals, raising further concerns about their future stability.

In summary, Steven Rahman’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough dental examinations and the potential consequences of oversight in healthcare. His journey underscores the need for patients to remain vigilant and proactive when it comes to their health, even when relying on professionals for care.