Failure to Diagnose Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious condition which if left untreated can lead to bone damage and tooth loss. If you are currently living with this condition, you are not alone. Millions of Americans are reported to be living with and managing gum disease. While there are many risk factors for developing periodontitis, did you know that the negligence of your dental care professionals may be among them?

When people think of medical malpractice cases, dentists may not be the first type of professional which comes to mind. However, just like nurses, surgeons, or anesthesiologist, dentists who act negligently may be implicated at the center of malpractice suits. If a medical professional – including dentists, periodontist, and oral surgeons – fails to diagnose or treat gum disease, they may be held liable for resulting damages.

The Dangers of Untreated or Undiagnosed Periodontitis

Like with other oral diseases, such as many oral cancers, early detection is critical in preventing permanent damage. Dentists have a responsibility to look for key signs of periodontitis and recommend treatments to prevent serious damage. Typically the disease begins with plaque and tartar build up around the teeth and below the gum lines. If left untreated, patients are at risk for developing gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease), which commonly manifest as bad breath and receding gums. If a doctor fails or refused to recommend treatment during any point of this process, periodontitis can develop.

Health problems associated with periodontitis can include:

• Bad breath
• Increased risk of infection
• Bleeding gums
• Gum pain
• Loss of teeth
• Receding gums
• Tooth decay

The treatment of periodontitis can often lead to dental costs in the thousands of dollars. Some studies have even drawn links between advanced gum disease and increased risk of heart-related conditions. Conversely, the effects of tartar build up and gingivitis may be reversed through regular brushing and minor dental work. While every case is different, if you believe that the development of your gum disease went unnoticed, untreated, or misdiagnosed for several dentist’s visits, it may be time to take legal action and get a dental malpractice lawyer involved.

Michigan Medical Malpractice Attorneys

If you have suffered an injury or preventable disease due to the negligent actions of a medical professional, you may be able to file for monetary compensation. When you need legal assistance determining where you stand in your case, Goodman Acker P.C. is here to help. Our Detroit medical malpractice attorneys possess more than 75 years of collective experience fighting for the rights of injured patients and we have recovered numerous multi-million dollar settlements for clients.

Don’t wait to seek compensation. Call (248) 793-2010 or contact us online to get started.