Inflamed gums, lost teeth: The hidden dangers of unqualified dentists in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Dr Prajit Nair, an oral surgeon in Hyderabad, recalled a distressing case where a patient lost multiple healthy teeth after a botched dental procedure by an unqualified practitioner.

“When Mahesh Kumar, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, walked into my clinic, he was already in distress. He had gone to an unregistered clinic for a simple tooth replacement, but what he got was a disaster. His bridge was too tight, causing excessive pressure on his natural teeth. By the time he came to me, his gums were inflamed, and two adjacent teeth had become loose.”

I had to break the news to him—those teeth couldn’t be saved. The faulty bridge had led to bone loss, making it impossible to retain them. We had no choice but to extract them and plan for an implant-supported prosthesis, Dr Prajit Nair said.

This is a classic case of how quacks ruin lives. If Mahesh had consulted a qualified dentist in the first place, he could have saved not only his original teeth but also the additional cost and pain of corrective treatment,” he said, speaking to NewsMeter.

A fake root canal that turned life-threatening

Dr Priya Mehta, an endodontist in Hyderabad, described a case where a woman suffered a severe infection after an incomplete root canal performed at an unregistered clinic.

“A 32-year-old woman came to my clinic with the left side of her face swollen and in excruciating pain. She had visited a roadside dental clinic for a root canal, believing it was a cheap and convenient option. What she didn’t realise was that the procedure had been done incorrectly.”

When I examined her, I was horrified, Dr Priya Mehta said.

The root canal had been left incomplete—the infected pulp was still inside, and a cheap filling had been placed on top. This had allowed bacteria to spread deep into her jawbone, causing a severe abscess. The infection was so advanced that she was at risk of sepsis, a potentially fatal condition.

“We had to act fast. I performed an emergency surgical procedure to drain the abscess, followed by a long course of antibiotics to control the infection. Once she was stable, we had to redo the root canal properly,” she said.

“This case is a perfect example of why unqualified practitioners are dangerous. A real root canal is a meticulous procedure requiring proper cleaning, shaping and sealing. If any step is skipped or done incorrectly, the consequences can be life-threatening,” she added.

These cases highlight the risks posed by unqualified individuals practicing dentistry without proper training. Many unsuspecting patients, lured by low-cost treatments, fall victim to dental quacks—unlicensed individuals who perform procedures without formal training.

Anti-Quackery Awareness Week

In response to this issue, the All-India Dental Students and Surgeons Association (AIDSA) has launched the Anti-Quackery Awareness Week (March 3-9) to highlight the dangers of unauthorised dental practices and push for stricter enforcement.

Dr MD Manzur, national president of AIDSA, stressed the urgency of this issue, stating, “Quack dentistry is not just an ethical violation; it is a serious public health hazard. Many of these unqualified practitioners use non-sterile instruments, increasing the risk of hepatitis, HIV and life-threatening infections.”

He further added, “Untrained hands can cause lifelong damage. This campaign is not just about awareness but about demanding action against quacks who put public health at risk.”

How to identify dental quacks?

Dental quacks typically operate from small, unregistered clinics, roadside setups or even at home. They attract patients with lower prices and quick fixes, often using improper or outdated techniques. Common illegal procedures include:

• Tooth extractions with unsterilised instruments, leading to severe infections.

• Unregulated dentures and bridges, which can cause misalignment and chronic pain.

• Fake root canals, performed without proper X-rays or anaesthesia, resulting in long-term complications.

• Teeth whitening and cosmetic procedures using unsafe chemicals that damage enamel.

Dr Siddhartha Reddy, a Hyderabad-based dentist, explained, “Patients come to us after undergoing unsafe procedures by quacks, suffering from severe infections, nerve damage or misaligned dentures. Many cases require corrective surgeries, which cost far more than the original treatment would have.”

The legal challenges in curbing quackery

Despite legal provisions under the Dentists Act, 1948, enforcement remains weak. Quacks continue to operate due to:

• Lack of public awareness about the importance of visiting qualified dentists.

• Limited regulatory oversight, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

• Difficulty in identifying and shutting down illegal clinics due to their informal setup.

Dr MD Manzur further explained, “Most quacks do not follow even basic infection control protocols. Reusing needles, improper sterilisation and lack of knowledge about oral anatomy can lead to permanent damage, including nerve injuries and severe jaw infections.”

AIDSA’s Initiative: Combating quackery through awareness

The Anti-Quackery Awareness Week focuses on:

• Public education campaigns through social media and local events.

• Legal advocacy to push for stricter penalties against unauthorised practitioners.

• Encouraging patients to verify their dentist’s qualifications before treatment.

Dr Nair stated, “Patients should check if their dentist is registered with the Dental Council of India. The cost of treatment by a qualified professional is an investment in long-term health.”

The way forward

Dr MD Manzur urged the public to be cautious, stating, “No one should compromise their health to save money on dental procedures. A wrongly performed extraction or root canal can lead to irreversible damage. The public must demand safe, qualified dental care.”

With increasing awareness and stronger legal action, the fight against dental quackery can gain momentum. AIDSA urges patients, professionals, and authorities to take a firm stand against unlicensed practices to ensure safer dental care for all.