Suit Claims Dentist Dropped Tools Down Elderly Patient's Throat

A Florida dentist is being sued for allegedly dropping tools down the throat of an elderly patient — twice.

Relatives of 90-year-old Charles Gaal Jr. recently filed the suit in circuit court accusing Dr. Wesley Meyers of negligence. An answering message at Meyers' office in Winter Park said Saturday that he was on vacation. He did not reply to a message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The lawsuit says the doctor dropped an "implant screwdriver tool" in 2006 and a "mini-wrench" in 2007.

The suit also says Gaal underwent several medical procedures to remove the tools but never fully recovered. He died in 2007.

Meyers was fined $17,000 by the state a year later. The dentist was found negligent in a settlement.