Suboxone, a medication widely prescribed to treat opioid addiction, has been a life-saving treatment for many struggling with addiction. However, this medication comes with its own set of risks, including a lesser-known but serious side effect—Suboxone-induced tooth decay. Patients who have used Suboxone over time may suffer from severe dental issues, including tooth decay, tooth loss, and other oral health problems.
Baltimore-based suboxone lawsuit lawyer attorney Steven H. Heisler is ready to help you take the steps toward covering your medical bills and rebuilding your life.
The History of Suboxone and Tooth Decay
Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, was introduced in 2002 as a breakthrough treatment for opioid addiction by pharmaceutical company Indivior. It quickly became a cornerstone of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), praised for its ability to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while minimizing the risk of abuse. However, as its use became more widespread, reports began to surface about an unexpected and severe side effect: tooth decay.
For years, patients and healthcare providers were largely unaware of the potential dental risks associated with Suboxone. Many patients who had been prescribed the drug for long-term use began to notice significant dental problems, including accelerated tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. These issues were often misattributed to poor dental hygiene or the effects of previous drug abuse rather than the medication itself.
It wasn’t until patients and dentists started connecting the dots that Suboxone was recognized as a potential cause of these dental issues. Despite these mounting concerns, information about Suboxone’s impact on oral health remained limited, and many patients continued to suffer without proper warnings or preventive guidance.
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the following information on suboxone in 2022:
- Since buprenorphine was approved, 305 cases of dental problems were identified.
- The average age of the patients was 42 years, but those as young as 18 years were also affected.
- Most cases were in patients using the medicines for OUD (opioid use disorder); however, 28 cases of dental problems occurred in patients using it to treat pain.
- In 26 cases, patients had no prior history of dental problems.
- Some cases reported dental problems occurring as soon as 2 weeks after treatment began, with the median time to diagnosis being approximately 2 years after starting treatment.
- Of the 305 cases, 113 mentioned two or more teeth were affected.
- The most common treatment for these dental problems was tooth extraction/removal, which was reported in 71 cases. Other cases reported root canals, dental surgery, and other procedures such as crowns and implants.
The lack of comprehensive warnings from the manufacturer has led to a growing number of legal claims, as affected individuals seek compensation for the extensive dental damage they have endured.
Most Common Dental Issues Associated with Suboxone
Suboxone’s formulation and method of administration can lead to a variety of dental issues, some of which may be severe and require extensive treatment. The potential dental problems associated with Suboxone use include:
Tooth Decay
One of the most common dental issues linked to Suboxone is tooth decay. The medication can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. Without sufficient saliva, the mouth becomes more acidic, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and attack the teeth. This can result in cavities, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Dry mouth caused by Suboxone can also contribute to gum disease. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy gums by preventing the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate along the gumline. When saliva production is diminished, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums. Over time, this can develop into periodontitis, a serious condition that can cause gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
Tooth Sensitivity
Patients using Suboxone may experience increased tooth sensitivity. This condition occurs when the enamel (the outer protective layer of the tooth) is worn away, exposing the underlying dentin. The dentin contains tiny tubules that lead to the nerve, making the teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. This sensitivity can cause discomfort and pain, affecting the patient’s ability to eat and drink normally.
Tooth Loss
In severe cases, the cumulative effects of dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease can lead to tooth loss. For many patients, this can have significant implications, including difficulties with chewing, speaking, and maintaining a normal diet. Tooth loss can also lead to changes in facial structure, affecting the patient’s appearance and self-esteem.
Oral Infections
The increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease can also make patients more susceptible to oral infections. Bacterial infections in the mouth can cause abscesses, which are painful, pus-filled pockets that form around the roots of the teeth or in the gums. If not treated promptly, these infections can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more serious health complications.
Your Rights as a Victim of Suboxone Tooth Decay
If you or a loved one has experienced tooth decay as a result of Suboxone use, you may be entitled to compensation. The manufacturers of Suboxone have a duty to warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential side effects of their products. Failure to provide adequate warnings or to conduct sufficient testing of the drug’s effects on dental health could be grounds for a lawsuit.
As a victim, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical Expenses: Costs of dental treatment, including fillings, root canals, extractions, and dentures.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by tooth decay and subsequent treatments.
- Lost Wages: If dental issues have caused you to miss work or have impaired your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages as a form of punishment and deterrence.
If you are currently using Suboxone, it’s essential to take preventive measures to protect your dental health, such as practicing good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and visiting your dentist regularly. However, if you have already suffered dental damage due to Suboxone, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Steven H. Heisler is experienced in pursuing justice for those affected by product defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit?
The statute of limitations in Maryland for defective product or product liability lawsuits is generally three years. This means that those who have consumed Suboxone and experienced tooth decay will have three years from the date of their injury to file their claim.
How do I prove that Suboxone caused my tooth decay?
Proving that Suboxone caused your tooth decay involves gathering evidence, such as medical records, dental reports, and expert testimony. Our firm will assist you in compiling the necessary documentation to support your claim.
Can I still file a lawsuit if I am currently taking Suboxone?
Yes, you can still pursue a legal claim even if you are currently using Suboxone. However, it is essential to continue your treatment under the guidance of your healthcare provider while exploring your legal options.
What should I do if I think Suboxone has caused my dental problems?
If you suspect that Suboxone has caused your dental issues, it’s crucial to seek medical and dental treatment immediately. Document your symptoms and treatment history and contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal options.
Who can be held liable in a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit?
In a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, potential defendants may include the drug manufacturer, the prescribing doctor, or other parties involved in the distribution and marketing of Suboxone. Your attorney will investigate the case to identify all responsible parties.
Contact Attorney Steven H. Heisler Today
If you or a loved one in Baltimore has suffered from severe tooth decay or other dental issues after using Suboxone, you may be entitled to compensation. Suboxone, while effective in treating opioid addiction, has been linked to serious dental side effects that can have a lasting impact on your health and well-being. Pursuing legal action can help you recover the costs of dental treatments, lost wages, and other damages.
Attorney Steven H. Heisler is dedicated to helping victims of Suboxone-related tooth decay hold the responsible parties accountable. He understands the complexities of pharmaceutical litigation and product liability cases and is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to seek legal help—contact Steven H. Heisler today at (410) 625-4878 for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let him help you navigate the legal process and work toward a resolution that provides you with the relief you need.
Attorney Steve Heisler
Steve Heisler decided in 1996 that he was going to focus his law practice exclusively on injury cases. Since then, he has been representing injured people against insurance companies, disreputable medical practitioners and Big Pharma, and doing it with compassion, honesty and level-headed rationality. [ Attorney Bio ]
