Patient Claims Carol Stream Dentist Permanently Damaged Nerves In Tongue

A Winfield woman has filed a breach of care suit against a Carol Stream dentist over claims that he caused permanent damage to the sensory nerves in her tongue.

Gia Gervase filed a civil suit on Oct. 6 in DuPage County Circuit Court against Firdaus Jafri, DDS.

According to the lawsuit, Jafri performed oral surgery on the plaintiff in December 2012 and failed to utilize appropriate surgical techniques to avoid damaging the lingual nerve, which is located within the tongue and is responsible for its senses of taste and touch.

The plaintiff also contends that Jafri did not refer bone impactions to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, nor did he conduct appropriate post-surgical treatment.

Gervase alleges she has sustained permanent bilateral nerve damage, resulting in pain, suffering and disability, and has incurred medical bills and expenses.

An affidavit from another dentist maintains the defendant should have referred the difficult bone impactions to another oral and maxillofacial surgeon specifically trained and skilled to perform such procedures.

Thus, the damages suffered by the plaintiff are permanent in nature and the dentist is prepared to testify to these facts should the case go to trial, according to the affidavit.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Regulation also shows Jafri being disciplined five times between 2001 and 2003, resulting in probation and fines. His dental license was suspended from June 28, 2001 to July 12, 2001 for providing substandard periodontal care to four patients, including not taking sufficient diagnostic X-rays and failing to maintain adequate periodontal records for three patients, according to state records.

Gervase is asking for $50,000 or more in damages, plus the costs of the lawsuit.

Wheaton attorney T. Patrick Rice is representing the case.