Suboxone and various forms of buprenorphine-naloxone are used for treating OUD (opioid use disorder), as they help to minimize cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. It is a sublingual medication you can use both in tablet or film/strip form. It means that once you take this medicine, it dissolves against your cheeks or under your tongue.
Even though the way to take the medicine is simple, it can take up to 15 to 30 minutes to dissolve. And often makes people wonder whether this can lead to any oral health issues. There is truth to this doubt, as the medicine has been causing dental health problems in many who have used it.
A look at the suboxone lawsuits suggests that this medicine resulted in oral infections, tooth loss, tooth decay, and cavities. The legal claims also stated that Indivior, the manufacturer, failed to warn people and the medical community about the hazards of this drug.
In this article, we will discuss the side effects of this medicine and how you can seek compensation for the suffering you’ve experienced.
Is Suboxone Detrimental to Your Dental Health?
The FDA has issued a warning stating that patients who have used suboxone have reported varied dental issues. A few of them are:
Dry Mouth
Suboxone is said to cause dry mouth in many patients. This happens when the saliva produced by your salivary glands is less than the adequate amount. Saliva has an essential role to play in your dental health. It helps to wash away any food particles, neutralize acids, and also prevent the spread of bad bacteria. Therefore, reduced saliva production leads to tooth decay.
Dietary Changes and Sugar Cravings
Patients who have used Suboxone often report facing heightened cravings for sweet foods. They also report dietary changes. If you start to consume a huge amount of sugar suddenly, it will lead to tooth decay. Excess sugar creates a habitat for bad oral bacteria that can erode the tooth enamel and also result in acid production.
Other side effects include:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Discomfort and pain
- Aesthetic concerns
Patients often start to notice dental health problems soon after they start using this medicine. Some report that they feel their teeth becoming loose or sore. And others realize their dental health problems much later, especially when they plan for a dental check-up. Healthcare professionals and dentists can diagnose these issues and treat them.
Have you used suboxone and felt that was the reason for your dental health issues? If so, you can file a suboxone tooth decay lawsuit and ask for monetary compensation. You can use this amount to pay for your medical bills and any other costs you had to bear to resolve the dental issue.
Are You Eligible for a Lawsuit?
If you notice dental issues after using the Suboxone strip, you might qualify to file a lawsuit. Only an expert lawyer can determine your eligibility, and you must consult one before walking the legal path. The injuries that the lawsuit can cover include:
- Cracked teeth
- Infections
- Crown replacement
- Tooth decay
- Tooth enamel loss
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extraction
You must keep your medical documents handy so that you can present them to your lawyer. They can assess all the documents you have and the experiences you share to decide your eligibility to file a lawsuit.
Can a Lawyer Help?
An expert lawyer works with you and ensures that you collect vital evidence for dental injuries and tooth decay. TorHoerman Law states that the lawyer will also file a lawsuit on your behalf and even negotiate the best settlement amount. They will also let you know about your probable settlement payout based on the case and the suffering you’ve endured.
Hence, you must be selective about who you appoint as your lawyer. Make sure they have the necessary experience and skills to manage such a lawsuit. Checking for a successful track record is also helpful.
Furthermore, any lawsuit brings mental stress and anxiety. The thought of whether you will receive your compensation or not adds tension. A lawyer in such a situation provides the required guidance that will help you to keep calm and act wisely. Since they have experience dealing with similar lawsuits, if you follow their words, your chances of getting compensated quickly increase.
In conclusion, people must be aware of how suboxone can cause unwanted dental health issues and think twice before taking this medicine. When prescribed, it is necessary to speak with the healthcare provider, know the pros and cons, and arrive at an informed decision. And if using the medicine already has already affected your dental health, it is necessary to seek both medical and legal assistance.