Periodontal disease, a prevalent condition in adults, can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, strokes, and diabetes if left untreated.
Understanding Periodontal Disease and Its Impact
Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, an early stage characterized by inflamed and red gums. While gingivitis is often easily treatable, if it progresses, it can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form that causes bone destruction and tooth loss.
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially after brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Loose teeth
- Pus around your gums or teeth
Dentists are expected to routinely check for periodontal disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening and to avoid long-term damage to your oral and general health.
When Can You Make a Dental Negligence Claim for Periodontal Disease?
Unfortunately, misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment of periodontal disease is a common issue, with studies suggesting that up to a third of patients may experience it.
If you are presented with symptoms of gum disease but your dentist failed to provide appropriate care, you might have a claim for dental negligence.
This could include situations where your dentist:
- Misdiagnosed your periodontal disease.
- Failed to adequately examine your gums.
- Did not inform you about the disease or your treatment options.
- Failed to offer proper advice or treatment.
To make a successful claim, you would need to show that this negligence led to additional dental problems that you would not have otherwise experienced, such as avoidable tooth loss or the need for further extensive treatment.
Why Pursue a Dental Negligence Claim?
When dental professionals fail in their duty of care, it can lead to significant pain, trauma, and a decline in your oral and general health. Making a dental negligence claim can help you secure financial support for:
- Pain and suffering endured due to the negligence.
- Loss of earnings resulting from dental issues or treatment.
- Costs of further treatment, including cosmetic procedures.
- Psychiatric damage caused by the experience.
Frequently asked questions:
Who can bring a claim?
The victim of the negligence can bring a claim. However, it may also be the case that the victim has passed away because of the negligence or has suffered so severely that they are unable to bring about a claim as they no longer have capacity.
In such circumstances, a claim can be brought on their behalf, either by an appropriate person or litigation friend if the victim is still with us, or by the executor of the estate of a surviving dependent if the victim has passed.
Our specialist team will be able to discuss whether you have the right to bring about a claim, so if you or a loved one has been affected, do not hesitate to contact us.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
You have three years from the date the negligent act occurred or the date you became aware of the negligence to start a claim. There are exceptions for minors and cases involving deceased victims, so it is always best to seek expert advice.
How much is my claim worth?
It is often difficult to value dental negligence claims at their outset, given the complexities involved however we will pursue two forms of compensation for you:
- General damages: for the pain and suffering you have endured because of the negligence.
- Special damages: for all your out-of-pocket expenses such as travel expenses, medication costs, loss of earnings, treatment costs both past and future.
This list is not exhaustive and is very case-specific.
Further reading:
Oakwood Solicitors Dental Negligence Claims.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease).
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you believe you have suffered due to dental negligence related to periodontal disease, our dedicated team of solicitors and paralegals is here to help. We aim to make the claims process as transparent as possible, avoiding complex legal jargon.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on this page, or call us on 0141 406 3324 to find out how we can help you with your enquiry.
