Periodontal Disease Claims
Periodontal disease, also commonly known as gum disease, is a condition that can have serious consequences for your oral and general health. According to research, up to around 90% of people suffer from this condition to some degree. If periodontal disease is allowed to progress, it can result in receding gums and even tooth loss. It isn’t just oral health than can be affected by periodontal disease; studies also link this condition to diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and obesity.
Regular visits to the dentist should help to catch periodontal disease in its early stages and a treatment plan can be agreed. If the condition is caught in its early stages then it can usually be reversed. However, if the dentist doesn’t correctly diagnose the condition and it is allowed to progress and worsen to the point where the patient suffers or is further injured as a result, this may be considered dental negligence.
Delayed diagnosis for periodontal disease can cause permanent damage to your teeth, gums and jaw, which is why you might be eligible for compensation if your dentist’s negligence meant that you weren’t given appropriate treatment and advice early enough.
Find out more about periodontal disease and making a compensation claim if you have experienced dental negligence.
.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a fairly common condition that affects the tissues around your teeth and can have serious consequences if it is allowed to progress unchecked. It can usually be prevented with a combination of practicing good oral hygiene, frequent brushing of teeth and regular visits to the dentist and dental hygienist.
How might a dentist be negligent with periodontal disease?
A delayed diagnosis of periodontal disease that results in avoidable injury and suffering is one way in which your dentist might be negligent in your care. Another way they could be negligent is if they diagnose the condition but fail to refer you for specialist treatment if your condition has advanced. They may also be considered negligent if they fail to give you suitable advice and guidance on how you can stop any further progression of periodontal disease and how to best manage the condition, which results in the disease getting worse.
If you’re unsure about whether or not you have experienced dental negligence, you can find out by speaking to one of our experienced claim team, for free, no-obligation advice. Call on 0808 302 5430.
For a free initial consultation
Request A Callback
Dental negligence injury claims – more info:
Periodontal disease causing gum recessionWhilst periodontal disease in its early stages is usually reversible, if it is not diagnosed and treated early enough, the condition can progress to the point where you experience permanent damage like receding gums. If your gums recede, this exposes more of the tooth to harmful bacteria and plaque, and damage can be caused to the bone structure and ligaments that hold teeth in place. Eventually, it can result in mobile teeth or even tooth loss.
Periodontal disease and tooth loss
Losing teeth due to periodontal disease can be devastating. It can have a permanent impact on how your gums and teeth look and feel. Once periodontal disease gets to the point where damage is being done to your teeth and gums, your teeth may become mobile. This condition can lead to a situation where there is no alternative but to have teeth extracted.
You might then require treatment such as implants or a bridge to restore the appearance of your teeth, which isn’t always possible, depending on the circumstances.
What should I do if I’m given a diagnosis of periodontal disease?
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to experience major issues or permanent damage. If your condition is currently in the early stages, known as gingivitis, introducing a new and improved dental hygiene routine could reverse any damage and stop further issues. Speak to your dentist to put this into action as quickly as possible.
However, if you have been diagnosed with the more serious periodontitis, which can result in significant issues with your teeth and gums; even tooth loss, you need to discuss treatment options with your dentist as soon as possible to minimise the amount of permanent damage done.
If you have been visiting your dentist regularly and the diagnosis of periodontitis comes out of the blue, it might be that your dentist has been negligent in not spotting the early signs of the disease. If you suffer as a result of your dentist’s lack of care, you might be due compensation. Get in touch with us for more information or to discuss your options. Call us on 0808 159 1215.
The cost of a dental negligence claim for periodontal disease
The Dental Law Partnership work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. This means that if your claim is not successful, you don’t pay any legal fees whatsoever. We believe that the cost of a dental negligence claim shouldn’t be a barrier to justice or for clients seeking fair compensation for what has happened to them because of the negligent act of someone that was trusted with their care.
You can contact us for a free claim assessment and to discuss your options
0808 252 5331
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get periodontal disease?
Essentially, it is bacteria that causes periodontal disease. The mouth contains an estimated 20 million bacteria at times, and, if allowed to grow and multiply unchecked, this causes plaque to develop on teeth, which can result in tooth decay. For gums, whilst some bacteria are necessary to keep them healthy, the effect of excess bacteria in the mouth and plaque developing on the teeth can overwhelm the tissue’s natural defences and cause inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease causes include:
- Poor teeth brushing technique
- Infrequent brushing of teeth or flossing
There are also other factors that can mean that you are at an increased risk of experiencing gum problems like periodontal disease, including:
- Smoking
- Pregnancy (some pregnant women have an increased inflammatory response to bacterial plaque)
- Diabetes (this condition can limit the body’s ability to fight gum disease)
- Dry mouth (a reduced flow of saliva can stop bacteria from being washed away)
What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?
The periodontal disease symptoms that you may experience will vary, depending on the progression of the condition. Early signs of periodontal disease (gingivitis) can include:
- A small amount of blood when brushing teeth or flossing
- Red, inflamed or swollen gums
- Bad breath on occasion (halitosis)
- Loose or wobbly teeth
- Pain and sensitivity in teeth and/or gums
- Difficulties chewing
Whilst these are some of the most common symptoms of early periodontal disease, every case is different and not everyone displays the same signs of the condition.
If this condition isn’t treated or stopped in its early stages, it can develop into a more serious issue, called periodontitis, where you could experience gum recession, abscesses and even tooth loss.
What are the stages of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease has two main stages. If the condition is not diagnosed or not treated effectively when in its early stages, it can progress to the point where permanent damage is done.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease and can usually be reversed, if spotted early enough and treated appropriately. It isn’t always painful or noticeable to have gingivitis, but it can cause redness and swelling. Regular visits to your dentist can help ensure that any gum issues like this are picked up at an early stage.
Periodontitis
If Gingivitis isn’t treated, the condition can progress to the point that the inflammation affects the bones and ligaments that hold teeth in place, known as periodontitis. When healthy, the gum forms a seal around each tooth, which helps keep out harmful bacteria and stops plaque forming below the gumline. Periodontitis can make the gums start to pull away from teeth, which means that they become harder to clean and infection can sometimes set in. This can cause gum abscesses, pain and sensitivity and eventually, can result in the gums receding further and tooth loss.
How do you treat periodontal disease?
The appropriate periodontal disease treatment for you will depend on the progression of your condition. If it’s still at the stage where it is considered to be gingivitis, the condition can usually be treated with an improved oral hygiene routine, including daily brushing and flossing to stop plaque from forming.
If your condition has progressed, you may first need x-rays to see the full extent of the damage. If your gums are infected, then you may be prescribed antibiotics and it’s likely that a dentist or hygienist will need to give your teeth a deep clean to remove any plaque and tartar.
If the periodontal disease has progressed beyond this, your dentist may recommend more invasive treatment, such as root planning or gum surgery.
What happens with untreated periodontal disease?
If periodontal disease is not treated in a timely manner, the condition can worsen and result in serious gum infections, abscesses, receding gums and even tooth loss. If you have regularly been visiting your dentist over a long period of time and they have failed to diagnose you with periodontal disease, meaning that your condition has progressed to a stage where permanent damage is done or extensive further treatment is required, they may have been negligent in your care.
If this is the case, you might be eligible for compensation for the pain and suffering that the negligence caused. To find out more about making a dental negligence claim, get in touch with the team at the Dental Law Partnership, by calling 0808 159 1215.
How common is periodontal disease?
As many as 90% of people are thought to have some of the early signs of periodontal disease (gingivitis). However, the condition at this stage is often treated successfully and the damage done can usually be reversed. Thankfully, many less people experience the more serious periodontitis, which can result in permanent damage. Regular dental visits should help ensure that your dentist picks up on any early signs of this condition so that you can be treated effectively.
If your dentist doesn’t diagnose the condition and you suffer as a result, you might be able to make a claim for dental negligence. Contact us for more information.
Should I make a claim for periodontal disease dental negligence?
Every case is individual, and it can sometimes be difficult to know if you have experienced dental negligence or not. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and you believe that you have been injured or suffered unnecessarily, you need to find out if you are eligible to claim. Call our team for free initial advice on 0808 302 5430.
Can you have implants after periodontal disease?
Whether or not you can replace lost teeth with implants after having periodontal disease will depend on your individual circumstances. Sometimes, after a tooth is lost, the supporting bone under the gum will also deteriorate, meaning that implants, won’t always be possible. Another option could be a bridge, but this will depend on the presence and strength of neighbouring teeth to support it.
Your dentist will be able to provide advice on your options based on your individual dental history and the current situation with your teeth and gums.
Credentials
We’re always proud to be recognised for the work we do for our clients
Testimonials
Mr M North West – 17/01/2020
“All that remains is for me to thank you for your kind words, for your continued efforts, for providing complete transparency and clarity when required, and also for your patience. I wish you nothing but the best going forwards.”
Mr S, East Yorkshire – 20/12/2019
I just wanted to say a big thank you to you, and your colleagues at Dental Law, for all your hard work in pursuing my claim. I was very pleased with the outcome. Every aspect of the case was handled with the upmost professionalism and clear advice throughout. The advice on liability and quantum was right on the mark. I would not hesitate in recommending Dental Law.
Mrs M, South East – 12/12/2019
“I would highly recommend the DLP to others seeking help with dental negligence, for providing excellent advice and clear communication throughout the process, and from a personal point of view making what felt like a daunting prospect at the outset straightforward to understand.”
Client Stories
Compensation received: £8,000
• A woman from the east of England suffered an avoidable period of pain and suffering as a result of infection and suffered an avoidable repeat root canal treatment. • Ms C lost a tooth and will lose another tooth in the future. • £8,000 awarded in compensation Between 2011 to 2013 […]
Compensation received: £5,000 out of court settlement
• Ms R experienced severe episode of pain and sensitivity • An infection in her tooth was left to spread which eventually led to its avoidable extraction • £5,000 awarded in compensation Ms R suffered multiple episodes of pain when her dentist failed to perform a root canal treatment properly, this meant many trips to […]
Compensation received: £4,000 out of court settlement
• A man in his 30’s from The North East will lose a tooth after his dentists failed to spot and treat decay. • A piece of dental equipment had been left in his tooth after a root canal treatment, this caused him intense pain and he was unable to chew. • £4000 awarded in […]