Medical Malpractice And Periodontal Disease

Health related malpractice lawsuits do not only apply to general practitioners, surgeons, and other types of medical doctors.  Many people do not think about dental health professionals.  However, if a dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon acts in a manner that is negligent when providing care then it is important to contact an experienced Kingston, New York dental malpractice lawyer.

The failure to diagnose periodontal (gum) disease can have significant long-term and potentially painful consequences.  Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums.  This bacterium also causes tooth decay.  The three states of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Abscesses in the gum or teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Bone loss
• Exposed tooth roots
• Loose teeth
• Lost teeth
• Painful gum tissue
• Pockets in the gums or bone
• Pulpy gum tissue
• Receding gums
• Sensitivity to temperature or air

The problems experienced during the early stages of gum disease tend to be minor.  However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and will require major therapy or complicated dental restorations.

It is important to diagnose and treat gum disease early.  When a dentist notices that a patient is experiencing the early symptoms of gingivitis, it is important that the infection be controlled as quickly as possible.  If there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment, or the diagnosis is missed entirely, there could be a negative impact on the patient’s dental wellness, potentially costing the patient significant amounts of money for invasive dental work.

Undiagnosed or untreated gum disease will progress to the further stages.  The health problems of these advanced stages can be very severe, causing harm to the other structures of the mouth, which can be painful and very serious.  If the condition continues to go undiagnosed or untreated, major restorative work will become necessary in order to rebuild the dental health of the patient.

When a dentist fails to examine for gum disease over an extended period of time, allowing it to go undetected and untreated, they have committed dental malpractice and could therefore be liable for damages.  If you or a loved one had been the victim of dental malpractice, contact an experienced Kingston, New York medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your case.

But what do you think?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com.  You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.