Dentist appears before tribunal over 'botched tooth extraction'

A dentist yesterday denied botching a wisdom tooth extraction by cutting open the wrong side of a patient's jaw, causing her discomfort and distress.

Dr Lam Kwok-pun, who has a surgery in Mongkok's Argyle Centre, appeared before the Dental Council tribunal charged with malpractice while operating on patient Chan Man-yan on September 12, 1997.

Ms Chan's jaw was injected with anaesthetic in an attempt to extract a wisdom tooth on the lower right side of her jaw.

But Dr Lam allegedly mixed up the X-rays and cut open the left side of her mouth.

The dentist also denies causing Ms Chan discomfort and distress.

Yesterday's hearing was cut short after Dr Lam's counsel Selwyn So told council members there was a possible conflict of interest.