Florida Lawsuit Says Dentist Left Drill Bit in Patient’s Head

A lawsuit claims a dentist’s drill bit was left in a Tampa woman’s head for nearly a year.

The lawsuit says Donna Delgao’s surgeon left an inch-long piece of steel in a wound after dental surgery in 2008. The tool lodged in her right maxillary sinus. It was only removed 11 months later by another surgeon.

The lawsuit says Delgao suffered nosebleeds, sinus infections and dizziness. Her attorney says she also may suffer side effects, including nickel poisoning.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial.

There was no phone listing for the oral surgeon, Ralph Eichstaedt. He told the St. Petersburg Times he wouldn’t comment on the lawsuit.

A phone message was left for the Dental Health Group, which was also named in the suit.