A dental patient has been awarded more than £9,000 after he suffered infections and had to have a tooth removed following treatment.
Tom Chown, from Tunbridge Wells, has been attending iSmile Dental Practice in the town since 2002 and says he had “complete faith” in his long-term dentist, Dr Simon Azimi.
But after Mr Chown suffered numerous problems, Dr Azimi has agreed to an out-of-court settlement with no admission of liability, which he pointed out is a common resolution in civil claims, regardless of the merits.
Dr Azimi added that it was “disappointing to see the matter presented in this way, particularly given the longstanding trust and rapport I had with Mr Chown and his family over the years”.
Problems began for Mr Chown several years ago. The 46-year-old said: “When I went for what I had thought was a routine filling in July 2018, I had no concerns at all.
“But frustratingly, the filling just didn’t settle down and became the focal point for when my dental troubles really began.
“A year after the filling, it had to be adjusted, and then in early 2020 the tooth fractured. I’d never had an issue like this before.
“Dr Azimi diagnosed me with an infection, severe decay in the tooth, and gave me antibiotics.
“I was also told that a root canal was needed after my infection passed, which was unnerving to hear.
“However, I had the procedure, and as far as I was aware, all had gone pretty smoothly. But again, it spiralled.”
He says that by the end of 2020, the root canal was causing him a lot of pain, claiming that he was advised that “a second root canal may be required if the pain did not subside”.
He explained: “The issues persisted. It got to the stage where complete removal was suggested, so I decided that a second opinion was necessary.”
Mr Chown then went to another dental practice. He said: “When I had to have a third root canal, they found strange ‘hairlines’ on an X-ray which were the remnants of two dental files in the tooth.
“This caused an infected abscess, which was the source of my pain.
“So I had to have the tooth extracted, which left me with a gap in my mouth, requiring costly implant treatment and further time off work.”
Dr Azimi said he “refute[d] the suggestion of negligence or intent to deceive”.
In 2023, Mr Chown contacted the Dental Law Partnership, and the case was settled in April 2025.
He was paid £9,250 in an out-of-court settlement, however, the dentist did not admit liability.
Mr Chown added: “For so long I felt unwell with the infection.
“It ruined my family’s Christmas as I was stuck in bed the whole time.
“All the issues and loss of the tooth affected my ability to eat, drink and chew on the left side of my mouth which was so difficult.
“Although it has been corrected as much as possible, my young family are all petrified of the dentist now too, and it takes a lot to convince them to go.
“I now have a false tooth to live with for the rest of my life”.
Rebecca McVety, of the Dental Law Partnership, added: “The distress and pain our client has experienced was completely unnecessary.
“If the dentist involved had provided more satisfactory treatment, his problems could have been avoided.”
However, Dr Azimi says he has successfully treated thousands of patients since becoming a principal dentist at the practice in December 2012.
He explained: “Our practice currently has over 10,000 registered patients, and we remain committed to delivering safe, ethical, and effective dental care to every individual we see.
“As with all medical treatments — particularly in dentistry — there are inherent risks associated with procedures such as root canal therapy.
“These risks are always discussed openly with patients beforehand, and informed consent is obtained prior to proceeding.
“Contrary to Mr Chown’s claims, I did not treat him prior to 2012, as I was not residing in the UK before that time.
“Additionally, I did not recommend extraction of the tooth in question.”
He says that his clinical notes “reflect that the situation was being monitored, and no urgent intervention was deemed necessary at the time”.
Dr Azimi also added that Mr Chown did not return to the dentist for further reviews or check-ups.
He added: “It is disappointing to see the matter presented in this way, particularly given the longstanding trust and rapport I had with Mr Chown and his family over the years.
“He had previously brought his wife and son to me for treatment, which he acknowledged was provided in a caring and professional manner.
‘I firmly refute the suggestion of negligence or intent to deceive…’
“I understand dental issues can be distressing, and I sympathise with anyone who experiences discomfort or frustration.
“However, I firmly refute the suggestion of negligence or intent to deceive.
“The case in question was resolved through an out-of-court settlement with no admission of liability — a common resolution in civil claims, regardless of the merits.
“I remain fully committed to the well-being of all my patients and to upholding the highest professional standards in dentistry.”
