An Oak Lawn woman is suing her dentist, alleging negligence over the course of a three-year treatment.
Judy Devito, of Oak Lawn, filed a lawsuit June 11 against dentist Bernard Muznyski in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging a bridge constructed for her was the wrong color, ill fitting and allowed food to accumulate underneath. She cites negligence and breach of contract.
According to the complaint, on Feb. 15, 2010, Muznyski took impressions for a 12-unit bridge to replace most of Devito's upper teeth, repeatedly promising to match the existing color and bite of the patient’s teeth.
The suit says Devito's request for a temporary bridge was denied, and when veneers were placed on her lower teeth Oct. 7, 2010, the color was darker than her own teeth. The plaintiff says the dentist said that slight color variations might exist because the veneers were not all made at the same time and advised Devito that, over time, the color would match, instructing her not to manipulate the veneers or the bridge.
The lawsuit states when Devito complained of a poor bite and food accumulation, the dentist performed corrective work in April, May and December 2011, placed a second bridge Jan. 10, 2012, and adjusted the bite March 26, 2012. The suit says the patient continued to experience discomfort and Muznyski continued to treat her from February 2012 through June 2013.
The plaintiff alleges failure to properly measure and fit restorative work, match existing color and make her bridge removable.
Devito seeks damages of more than $50,000, plus attorney fees and costs. She is represented by The Law Offices of Mark Loftus in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 15-L-5964.