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Gum Disease Claim Advice
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and, if not treated, can lead to serious gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It is caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will cause your gums to become red and swollen. They may also bleed during brushing and you may suffer from bad breath (halitosis).
If gum disease, or periodontitis, is left untreated, it can irreversibly affect the bone that holds your teeth in your jaw. This is known as periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease can ultimately lead to gum recession, gum infections, pain, mobility of teeth and tooth loss.
Gum disease is not generally painful until it reaches an advanced stage. Therefore, you may not even be aware that you have it until you see your dentist.
More information on Periodontal Disease
A list of frequently asked questions and answers on the subject of Gum Disease:
How can I prevent Gum Disease?
Both gingivitis and periodontitis, can usually be prevented by:
- Excellent oral hygiene at home
- Regular visits to your dentist. They will examine the health of your gums and bone levels using special instruments.
You are at higher risk of developing gum disease if you smoke. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also increase your risk of developing gum disease. In these cases, it is crucial that you visit your dentist regularly. They will be able to advise you on the preventative steps you can take to avoid gum disease.
How can I treat Gum Disease?
Early gum disease, such as gingivitis, can be treated by maintaining good oral hygiene at home to prevent the build-up of plaque. Your dentist will advise you of a suitable routine – generally it includes brushing and flossing twice a day. Your dentist or Hygienist may clean (scale) your teeth to remove any plaque build-up.
If gum disease has progressed to an advanced stage, treatment becomes much more complex. You may need referral to a specialist periodontist. Treatment can include deep cleaning (root planning), surgery and extraction.
What are the symptoms of Gum Disease?
Healthy gums are usually firm and pink. Some of the early signs of gum disease are:
- Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
- Swollen or red gums
- Bad breath
- A foul taste in the mouth
- Gum abscesses start to develop
You should explain these symptoms to your dentist, who will then advise you on your best course of action.
What is a Gum Disease claim?
Fortunately, gum disease can usually be treated effectively if it is caught in its early stages, but if your dentist fails to spot the signs, it can lead to severe injury. If you have had regular or recent check-ups and you have still developed these symptoms, your dentist may have failed to notice the signs of periodontitis. This could be considered dental negligence.
Your dentist has a duty of care to identify any cases of gum disease and advise you on the best course of action. If they fail to diagnose gum disease and it develops into a more severe case, known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, you may be entitled to make a dental negligence compensation claim.
Periodontal disease, left untreated, can lead to loss of teeth and severe health risks, not to mention irreversible gum damage. If you feel your dentist has failed to provide you with a high level of service and you are injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Victims of dental negligence can be left with severe health problems, especially those who have developed serious cases of gum disease due to misdiagnosis, or their dentist’s failure to spot the symptoms and signs of gum disease or periodontitis.
How to make a Gum Disease Claim
If you have developed gingivitis or periodontal disease and you feel your dentist should have spotted the signs earlier, contact the expert dental negligence solicitors at the Dental Law Partnership today.
At the Dental Law Partnership, we have an experienced and skilled team of dental negligence solicitors and dentists who are able to assess your claim quickly. As experts in the field, we will discuss your potential grounds to make a failed diagnosis claim and give you the support you need to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
We are also proudly accredited by Lexcel as an industry leader and have a proven track record of helping victims claim compensation for periodontal gum disease issues.
To view our successful case studies, follow the link.
Contact the Dental Law Partnership
If any of these signs sound familiar to you, or if you feel you have been a victim of dental negligence, contact a member of our team today for free initial legal advice. Our team of expert solicitors can be reached on Freephone 0800 0853 823.
Our successful case studies can outline some of the work the Dental Law Partnership have carried out for clients, but if you think you have been a victim of dental negligence, our expert team are on hand to help. Call us on Freephone 0800 0853 823 for free initial legal advice.