Dental Negligence and Delayed Diagnosis and treatment of Periodontal Disease

Dental patients and Dentists need to be aware of the symptoms of periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, because a delay in diagnosis and dental treatment can cause the premature loss of teeth and the need for restorative dental treatment which is both expensive and uncomfortable.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Periodontitis as it is formally known can begin following plaque build-up around the gum line.  Where periodontal disease is identified by a dentist early on, treatment can be provided to arrest the condition to avoid it developing further.  Treatment may include regular visits to the hygienist, scaling treatment and the use of small inter-dental brushes to attack plaque build-up at the gum line.  Without early treatment the bacteria from the plaque build-up can grow and begin to attack the gums, burying under the gum’s surface destroying gum tissue and bone.

It is reported [1] that:

– Gum disease affects 15-20% of the world’s population and it is estimated that half the adult population has some degree of gum disease and most people experience it at least once in their lifetime.

– In the UK, 10-15% of adults have severe periodontitis, with many more being affected by mild to moderate levels.

Gum disease can progress without a person realising they are even suffering with the infection.  It is often painless, particularly in the early stages, and the symptoms of the infection can be very discrete and are often ignored, considered to be irrelevant or “normal”.

OTHER RISK FACTORS

We are advised by our dental experts that, as well as poor oral hygiene, there are other risk factors which may increase a patient’s susceptibility to developing gum disease – these include, but are not limited to, diabetes, smoking, family history of the condition and hormonal changes.  Smoking in particular can be a direct cause of the development of the infection.  It has been suggested that development of the disease can cause a person to develop other health issues, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s, although research into these issues continue.

RISKS OF NON-DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

If no diagnosis and treatment of the periodontal disease is provided, the infection will continue to develop and attack the gum and jaw bone.  Without appropriate treatment the disease can, over time, lead to loss of bone in the jaw which holds the teeth in place.  Over time teeth will become loose and may eventually require extraction, or fall out easily, if there is not enough bone to hold the tooth in place.  As periodontal disease often affects areas in the mouth rather than individual teeth, several teeth can be lost at once as a result of the failure to appropriately diagnose and treat the condition.

OUR EXPERIENCE

As specialist Dental Negligence Lawyers we are unfortunately required to act for clients regularly where their dentist has failed to diagnose and treat periodontal disease.  Often the claims that are brought are both successful and high in value in terms of the compensation awarded for the on-going and expensive future dental treatment required as a result of the dental negligence. Often, money is awarded to pay for treatment such an implants where teeth have been lost, and on-going periodontal maintenance treatment to prevent further tooth loss.  As an example, a previous client was awarded £25,000 to compensate him for the private dental treatment he needed to treat his advanced periodontal disease, and the pain and suffering he endured as a consequence. Other similar cases can be viewed on the “Recent Cases” section of our website.

Essentially it is the responsibility of the patient to ensure a good oral hygiene routine is maintained everyday, and to notify their dentists of any symptoms they are concerned about.  It is the dentist’s responsibility to monitor the patient’s periodontal health during regular dental check-ups and to provide an appropriate diagnosis and treatment for gum infections where they develop. If you have been diagnosed with gum/periodontal disease which you think your dentist should have diagnosed earlier, you may have a claim for Dental Negligence and it is important to seek specialist advice to ensure your treatment is fully investigated and compensation achieved for your future treatment requirements.

 [1] NHS Choices Information www.nhs.uk/conditions/Gum-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx