A TAXI driver has been given a pay out after losing six teeth when a dentist failed to treat his decay.

John Cuthbertson, 58, from Westerhope, Newcastle, was awarded £27,500 in compensation.

Mr Cutherbertson experienced severe deteriorating in dental health over five years, eventually losing six teeth. He now requires further treatment, including six implants to fix the problem.

Mr Cuthbertson began attending a clinic Newcastle upon Tyne, in 2008, and visited the practice for regular check-ups.

He first experienced throbbing in his mouth in 2010 and experienced five years of problems, eventually discovering he had been suffering from severe gum disease and tooth decay.

He said: "I was and still am so angry, because I have unnecessarily lost six teeth and experienced a great deal of pain. It could have all been avoided. I now need to have six implants to replace the teeth I have lost. I am thankful to the Dental Law Partnership for helping me obtain compensation that will enable me to cover the cost of this treatment.”

Jonathan Owen of the Dental Law Partnership, said: “Our client has needlessly lost six of his teeth. If the dentist had identified and properly treated the problems this, and the further dental work he requires, could have been avoided. We hope that the compensation he receives will go some way towards his ongoing treatment.”

The dentist paid £27,500 in an out-of-court settlement but did not admit liability.