A MAN has received £5,500 compensation after he lost a tooth when a Corbridge dentist allegedly failed to spot and treat decay.

Eric Walmsley (72), from Hexham, received the money with the help of specialist dental negligence solicitors, the Dental Law Partnership.

Mr Walmsley visited Corbridge Dental Practice from December 2013 to February 2018, and had a crown fitted in February 2014.

However, it is alleged his dentist had failed to spot and remove decay before fitting a crown, and allowed decay to progress unchecked for years.

Tim Armitage of the Dental Law Partnership, which took up Mr Walmsley’s case last year, said: “It was our position that the distress and pain our client experienced would have been avoided if the dentist had provided treatment to the correct standard.”

Mr Walmsley now needs an implant to fill the gap left in his mouth.

“I am very disappointed with the way I was treated,” Mr Walmsley said.

“I consistently complained the crown was uncomfortable at a number of appointments for several years, but still I’ve ended up losing a tooth.”

Mr Walmsley has now received £5,500 in an out-of-court settlement, however, the dentist did not admit liability.

Corbridge Dental Practice was contacted but declined to comment.