Why choose us for your gum disease claim?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can arise from untreated gingivitis. You may be eligible to receive compensation if your dentist fails to recognise the condition or provide adequate care.

Our dental negligence claims are led by partner Russell Sutton, who has vast experience in negligent dental treatment. In addition to his role at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, he is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and an Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) senior litigator.

Russell leads a dedicated team of expert lawyers with a proven track record of securing compensation following periodontal disease claims.

We work on a no win, no fee basis, and have a win rate of more than 95% for the claims we have pursued after obtaining medical evidence. With more than 15 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise required to help you to pursue a successful gum disease claim.

Suffering negligent dental treatment can be extremely distressing, affecting you emotionally, as well as financially and physically. By choosing us to handle your gum disease compensation claim, you can rest assured that your case is being handled by an experienced solicitor.

How long does the gum disease claims process take?

Every case we take on is different, and we pride ourselves on thoroughly assessing the unique circumstances of every gum disease claim we pursue. Each client deserves bespoke service, and we won't compromise on this. This means that we don't provide an average timescale for how long we expect the claims process to take.

However, we guarantee that your solicitor will ensure that your case proceeds efficiently in order to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible. Your dedicated lawyer will be able to advise you further once you start your claim with us.

For more information on what you can expect when making a gum disease compensation claim with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, click the button below.

Can I claim gum disease compensation?

Gum disease can usually be treated effectively when caught in its early stages. However, when a dentist fails to spot the signs, it can lead to severe complications. It is your dentist's responsibility to identify any cases of gum disease and advise you on the best course of treatment.

If your dentist has failed to diagnose gum disease, despite you seeing them regularly as a patient, you may be entitled to make a dental negligence compensation claim against them.

What are the risks associated with untreated gum disease?

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth, as well as other health risks and irreversible gum damage. Those who have suffered the impact of dental negligence can be left with health problems, particularly those who have developed serious cases of gum disease because of a misdiagnosis.

The impact of untreated gum disease can include:

• Permanent damage to the jaw and gums
• Receding gums
• Gum infections
• Gum recessions
• Tooth loss
• Constant pain or discomfort
• Loose or wobbly teeth

Is there a time limit for making a gum disease claim?

In the majority of cases, you have three years from the date of your last dental appointment to make a claim for gum disease compensation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Speaking to a solicitor as soon as you realise you have suffered an injury will allow you to determine your next steps and whether you are eligible to make a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dental treatment was negligent?

Dental negligence is not always easy to spot. If you have visited a dentist for a check-up and they have not diagnosed you, the dentist might be considered negligent for not informing you about the symptoms of periodontal gum disease.

This also holds true if they have noticed signs of gum disease but have not informed you. Additionally, if the dentist does identify that you have gum disease but fails to advise you on preventive measures to reduce the risk of further infection, they could be deemed negligent.

Guidance they should provide includes:

• Explaining how to enhance oral hygiene, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Arranging appointments with a dental hygienist for you
• Ensuring you receive reminders for regular dental check-ups

Once gum disease is diagnosed and there is no improvement following treatment, the dentist should refer you to a specialist for further intervention. If this referral does not occur, it may indicate that your dentist has failed in their duty of care and has acted negligently.

If the condition is not treated effectively and promptly, the attachment of teeth to the jawbone can be compromised, leading to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. Treatment costs to address tooth loss due to periodontal gum disease can be quite costly, and if negligence is established against the dentist, the expenses of procedures to rectify the damage can be included as part of the claim.

Another possible form of negligence is if the dentist did not inform you of the details and risks associated with a procedure. Many dental treatments carry inherent risks, which should be thoroughly explained to you by the dental professional before undergoing any treatment or procedure. If the dentist has not communicated these risks, their care could be considered negligent.

How can I avoid gum disease?

To typically prevent gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, you should:

• Maintain good oral hygiene at home
• Attend regular dental check-ups, where your dentist will assess your gum health and bone levels with specialised tools

Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can heighten your risk of developing gum disease. In these instances, it is essential to visit your dentist frequently, who will then guide you on the necessary preventative measures to avert gum disease.

How can I manage gum disease?

Initial gum disease, such as gingivitis, can be addressed by upholding proper oral hygiene at home to inhibit plaque accumulation. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate routine – typically, brushing and flossing twice daily. Your dentist or dental hygienist might perform a scale and polish to eradicate plaque build-up.

If gum disease progresses to a more severe stage, treatment becomes more intricate. You might require a referral to a specialist periodontist. Interventions can involve deep cleaning (root planing), surgery, and tooth extraction.

What are the indications of gum disease?

In the early stages of gum disease, discomfort or noticeable symptoms are generally absent. Nonetheless, as the problem deteriorates, you may observe:

• Puffy or swollen gums
• Dark red-coloured gums
• Gums that bleed easily, particularly during brushing or flossing
• Gums feeling tender and possibly painful to touch
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that appear to recede

Ordinarily, healthy gums are a pale pink colour and fit snugly around the teeth. If you suspect your gums do not match this description, you should schedule a dental check-up as soon as possible. Report these symptoms to your dentist, who will then advise you on the most suitable course of action.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease primarily stems from infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that encircle and support the teeth. In its initial stage, known as gingivitis, the gums may turn swollen and red, and bleeding may occur. In a more severe form, referred to as periodontitis, the gums might retract from the tooth, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. Periodontal disease is predominantly observed in adults. The two most significant threats to dental health are periodontal disease and tooth decay.

What should your dentist inform you about if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease?

If you receive a periodontal disease diagnosis, your dentist should clearly explain the nature of the disease, the full extent of the condition, the risks and benefits of treatment, and self-help methods such as adhering to a strict oral hygiene regimen. Following their advice, your periodontal treatment, which may include scaling and polishing, root planing, and antibiotic therapy, should commence. At this point, a referral to an expert periodontist should also be arranged. While there is currently no cure for periodontal disease, early intervention can prevent it from spreading or worsening.

What happens if your dentist fails to diagnose or treat your periodontal disease?

If identified early enough, periodontal disease can be managed relatively easily, particularly by a suitably qualified periodontist, often with favourable outcomes. However, if a dentist leaves your periodontal disease untreated, it can result in severe consequences, including the loss of multiple teeth and damage to the supporting jawbone. If dental patients have not been treated or referred for treatment and their periodontal disease has worsened as a consequence, there may be a potential claim for undiagnosed periodontal disease. Such claims could be worth tens of thousands of pounds in compensation.