Teen’s Dental Appointment Turns Traumatic After Lip Injury

A 14-year-old girl from Lower Hutt, New Zealand, suffered a serious injury during a dental visit, resulting in a severely lacerated lip that required cosmetic stitches. The incident occurred at the Petone Dental Centre last week, leaving her feeling “traumatised” and increasing her fear of dental procedures.

According to her sister, Jess Pihema, the teenager, identified as Tira Carroll, was already apprehensive about visiting the dentist. During her appointment on March 1, 2024, Tira was scheduled to receive four fillings. The situation escalated when her lip was inadvertently cut, leading to significant bleeding.

Pihema recounted the distressing moment when Tira had to retrieve a paper towel from the clinic’s reception to stop the bleeding herself. “It was a shocking experience for her,” Pihema said. “She was already scared of going to the dentist, and this incident has made it much worse.”

The family has expressed concerns about the standard of care provided at the clinic. They are seeking answers regarding the circumstances that led to Tira’s injury. “We just want to know how something like this could happen,” Pihema stated. “It’s not something that should occur during a routine dental appointment.”

The Petone Dental Centre has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the injury continue, Tira’s family is focusing on her recovery and emotional well-being.

This unfortunate event highlights the importance of safety in dental practices and the need for clear communication between patients and healthcare providers. The Carroll family hopes that sharing Tira’s experience will encourage other dental clinics to prioritize patient safety and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.