On this page, we will look at who qualifies to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. We will summarize the basic eligibility criteria that our firm is applying to screen potential Suboxone lawsuits, and we will describe the relevant injuries associated with the Suboxone lawsuits.
About the Suboxone Lawsuits
Suboxone is a prescription drug that is commonly used for the treatment of opioid addiction recovery. There is overwhelming evidence showing that Suboxone causes chronic dry mouth which can lead to acute tooth decay and tooth loss. The manufacturers of Suboxone were aware of this side effect for more than a decade but failed to include any warning about tooth decay on the drug product label.
For years, the manufacturers of Suboxone were aware of its harmful effects on dental health but failed to warn the public. It was only in 2022 that a warning was finally added.
Patients who used Suboxone before the 2022 warning, were left in the dark about these risks. Now, they face the consequences. If you or a loved one has been affected, you may be eligible for compensation. Now a growing number of victims are filing Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.
Eligibility Criteria for Suboxone Lawsuits
In order to be eligible to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit and participate in any global settlement, potential claimants need to meet certain requirements. The basic eligibility requirements our firm uses are as follows:
Used Suboxone for at Lease 6 Months: Claimants must be able to show that they used Suboxone on a daily basis for a minimum of 6 months.
Used Subxone Prior to January 2022: To have a viable Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, potential claimants must establish that they started using Subxone before January 2022. Why? January 2022 is when the warning label for Suboxone was amended to include a warning about tooth decay. If you only used Suboxone after that date, you can’t bring a failure to warn claim.
Suffered Tooth Decay, Loss or Dental Injuries: Potential claimants must be able to prove that they suffered tooth decay, tooth loss or other dental injuries at some point shortly after they had been using Suboxone for at least 6 months.
Clean Prior Dental History: Finally, claimants will need to show that their tooth decay or tooth loss was not already occurring before they began using Suboxone. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a perfect dental health record, but you will need to at least show that your teeth were not already seriously decayed prior to Suboxone.
Injuries Associated With Suboxone
Below is a summary of the various injuries or health conditions that can be asserted in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common oral health condition characterized by the gradual destruction of the tooth structure. It occurs when acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, combined with sugars and food debris, lead to the demineralization of the enamel, dentin, and eventually the pulp of the tooth.
Suboxone causes severe dry mouth which results in acute tooth decay. Tooth decay resulting from dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common oral health issue that occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth adequately moist. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by helping to neutralize acids, cleanse the mouth, and prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth.
Dry mouth can significantly impact oral health, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral issues. Addressing the underlying causes, staying hydrated, and adopting good oral hygiene practices are essential in preventing and managing tooth decay associated with dry mouth. Individuals experiencing persistent dry mouth should consult with a healthcare professional or dentist for appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is the most serious injury in the Suboxone lawsuits. Tooth loss resulting from decay is a significant oral health issue that occurs when the gradual destruction of tooth structure due to decay reaches a point where the tooth cannot be salvaged. Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common condition caused by the interaction of bacteria, sugars, and food debris in the mouth.
Tooth loss from decay occurs gradually and involves several distinct stages. The stages of tooth decay and loss are:
Decay Formation: Bacteria in the mouth produce acids as they feed on sugars. These acids, combined with food particles, form plaque on the teeth. Over time, the acids demineralize the tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities.
Cavity Progression: If left untreated, cavities can progress deeper into the tooth structure, reaching the dentin and eventually the pulp. As decay advances, individuals may experience tooth sensitivity, pain, and other symptoms.
Infection and Inflammation: When decay reaches the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), it can lead to infection and inflammation. This often causes severe toothache.
Tooth Abscess: An untreated infection in the pulp can result in the formation of a dental abscess, a pocket of pus that can cause significant pain and swelling.
Tooth Mobility: The supporting structures around the tooth, including the gums and bone, can be affected by the infection, leading to increased tooth mobility.
Tooth Loss: In cases where the decay has caused irreparable damage to the tooth and its supporting structures, extraction may become necessary. Tooth loss can significantly impact oral function, aesthetics, and overall well-being.
The loss of teeth can have a number of serious health consequences that are both physical, cosmetic and emotional. Losing a tooth can affect the ability to chew food properly, leading to dietary limitations and nutritional challenges. Gaps left by missing teeth can affect speech and pronunciation. Tooth loss can result in changes to facial structure, such as sagging of the cheeks and lips, giving a prematurely aged appearance. Adjacent teeth may shift into the gap left by the missing tooth, leading to misalignment. This can contribute to bite issues and further oral health problems.
Contact Us About A Suboxone Lawsuit
If you used Suboxone and suffered tooth decay or tooth loss, contact us online or call us at 888-322-3010.