LeAnn Rimes sues dentist

Los Angeles - LeAnn Rimes is suing her dentist and claims his work is ruining her career.

The country singer has filed a lawsuit - obtained by TMZ - against Dr Duane C McKay on several occasions over the last three years to get work which has included upper front veneers and crowns which she was told would ease her TMJ-related pain and improve the appearance of her teeth.

However, Rimes states in the legal papers the dental procedures have actually left her in terrible pain and her mouth often bleeds because of the work.

The 30-year-old blonde also claims she has had to undergo nine painful root canal surgeries, bone grafting as well as have a temporary bridge fitted and undergo a course of physical therapy.

Stopped her from singing

In the lawsuit, Rimes claims she will have a "permanent cosmetic deficiency" as a result of Dr McKay's work and the pain she has endured have stopped her from singing and performing live.

The Crazy Women singer is seeking unspecified damages for physical, emotional and psychiatric injuries and is seeking cash for loss of past and future earnings.

Rimes - who is married to Eddie Cibrian - has often taken to her Twitter account to complain about her teeth troubles.

Last February, she tweeted: "K, coming clean ... I had minor surgery this week and I've been in SO much pain it's not even funny.

"Nothing major just annoying! Pain pain go away!!!!!! When it's mouth pain and jaw pain it makes your whole head pound! YUCK. (sic)"