Case Background
In September and October 2022, Dr. Robert Wilde, DMD, performed multiple dental extractions on plaintiff Bonnie Allison at Associated Westside Dental in Yamhill County, Oregon. The procedures included removal of seven teeth, spread across two appointments. Dr. Wilde operated under the business name Associated Westside Dental and held himself out as providing competent dental care to the public.
Cause
On October 6, 2022, during the extraction of tooth #14, Dr. Wilde allegedly left the palatal root of the tooth inside the plaintiff’s left maxillary sinus. This retained root, coupled with excessive removal of bone, resulted in a sinus perforation known as an oroantral fistula. According to the complaint, Dr. Wilde failed to recognize, document, or inform the patient about the retained root and the resulting perforation. The plaintiff also alleged a pattern of substandard care across both appointments. This included failure to conduct proper diagnostic exams, obtain informed consent, provide post-operative instructions, or refer the plaintiff for necessary follow-up care.
Injury
The plaintiff suffered multiple complications as a result of the extractions. These included acute and chronic maxillary sinusitis, a retained dental root, pain, numbness, swelling, and the need for additional surgical procedures. Specifically, she underwent a second extraction with incision, drainage, and fistula repair. The injuries disrupted her daily life and caused considerable discomfort.
Damages
Plaintiff claimed $934,999 in non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and interference with her routine activities. She also sought approximately $65,000 in economic damages to cover medical expenses related to the complications and corrective procedures. The total prayer for relief amounted to $999,999.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Bonnie Allison
Counsel for Plaintiff: Elizabeth E. Welch
Defendant: Robert Wilde, DMD | Joseph A. Pickels
Counsel for Defendants: Grant D. Stockton
Claims
The complaint alleged dental negligence on multiple grounds, including:
Failure to perform a comprehensive dental exam
Failure to diagnose periodontal disease
Lack of proper informed consent for extractions
Failure to document clinical justifications for the extractions
Failure to recognize or address retained root fragments
Failure to diagnose and treat the sinus perforation
Failure to provide post-operative care and referrals
Negligence in managing a medically compromised patient
The plaintiff demanded a jury trial and filed the case outside Oregon’s mandatory arbitration program.
Defense
In response to the plaintiff’s complaint, defendant Dr. Robert Wilde, DMD, doing business as Associated Westside Dental, admitted only that he was licensed to practice dentistry in Oregon and treated the plaintiff in Yamhill County. He denied all other material allegations due to lack of sufficient knowledge or outright disagreement.
Dr. Wilde raised three affirmative defenses. First, he argued that the plaintiff’s claims failed to state a legally actionable claim under Oregon law. Second, he asserted that any damages were caused by third parties or non-parties, not by him. Third, he denied causing the plaintiff’s alleged injuries. He also reserved the right to amend his defenses as discovery progresses and requested the case be dismissed with prejudice.
Jury Verdict
On May 1, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant, Dr. Robert Wilde, DMD, doing business as Associated Westside Dental. The jury found that the defendant was not liable for the injuries alleged by plaintiff Bonnie Allison, thereby rejecting her claims of dental negligence and awarding no damages.
Court Documents
Court Documents are available for purchase upon request at Jurimatic@exlitem.com