North Carolina dentist still licensed after leaving metal tool in patient’s gum

A North Carolina dentist is still practicing even after several patients filed complaints against him and a dental tool was found embedded in one patient’s gum, ABC and Telemundo affiliate WSOC-TV reports.

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Five patients have filed complaints against Richard Rolle, DDS, of Cornelius, N.C.-based Rolle Oral and Facial Surgery. Patients said they experienced residual pain and infection, and had teeth pulled that were not supposed to be.

Former patient Loretta Williams visited another dentist for extreme oral pain after a tooth extraction. The dentist discovered part of a metal tool stuck deep in her gum, according to WSOC-TV.

A subsequent investigation revealed emergency drugs at Dr. Rolle’s practice were either missing or expired. The office also lacked an opioid reversal agent, and its AED defibrillator was inoperable.

The Dental Board suspended Dr. Rolle’s license for six months but stayed the discipline, meaning his license is active if he follows probationary rules for five years.

Dr. Rolle wanted to talk to his attorney before commenting, according to WSOC-TV.

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