Suboxone and Tooth Decay Explained [2024 Guide]

Suboxone Linked to Severe Dental Health Issues: Tooth Decay, Oral Infections & More

Suboxone use has been linked to dental decay and severe dental injuries.

Physician prescribed Suboxone film (sublingual buprenorphine medicines dissolved under the tongue) creates an acidic environment in the mouth, which can significantly lower the pH balance.

This acidity directly affects the tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth, leading to its demineralization and eventual erosion.

Over time, this erosion makes the teeth more susceptible to decay, cavities, and other structural damage.

Suboxone’s formulation can reduce saliva production, which normally helps to neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria.

Reduced saliva flow not only exacerbates the effects of acidity but also allows bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to gum disease and oral infections.

These dental issues can become severe, requiring extensive treatments such as fillings, root canals, and even tooth extractions.

Dental problems suffered by those taking Suboxone include:

• Tooth Decay: Progressive deterioration of tooth enamel leading to cavities.
• Gum Disease: Inflammation and infection of the gums, often worsening with poor oral hygiene.
• Oral Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections in the mouth, including abscesses.
• Tooth Erosion: Loss of tooth structure primarily due to chemical dissolution by acids.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Reduced saliva production, which impairs the mouth’s ability to wash away food particles and neutralize acid, thereby protecting teeth.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity due to enamel erosion or gum recession.
• Tooth Loss: Severe decay or gum disease may lead to the loss of teeth.

Scientific Studies: Suboxone Use and Worsening Dental Health

Several scientific studies have confirmed the link between Suboxone use, particularly in sublingual form, and dental health issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and oral infections.

Research indicates that the formulation of Suboxone, which involves dissolution in the mouth, creates an environment that can lead to dental problems.

These issues are severe enough that they have been acknowledged by the FDA, which has issued warnings about the potential for dental complications when using buprenorphine-based medicines in this way.

Studies and findings on Suboxone sublingual films and dental health issues include:

• FDA Reports: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has highlighted an array of dental problems linked to Suboxone and similar medications. This includes tooth decay, cavities, and in some cases, total tooth loss, prompting a mandate for updated warning labels on these products.
• University of Houston Study: Dr. Bing-Yan Wang’s research, funded by the NIH, is exploring how high oral exposure to buprenorphine leads to increased dental caries, focusing on mechanisms that could potentially mitigate these effects.
• Blue Coast Behavioral Health: Analysis included detailed data on cases reported to the FDA, highlighting significant occurrences of dental problems among users of Suboxone, with some issues arising as soon as two weeks after the beginning of treatment.
• BMJ Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin: The study published in the BMJ Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin identifies various aspects of buprenorphine use, including its side effects on dental health.
• Study in the American Journal of Medicine: This study in the American Journal of Medicine examines the broader pharmacological effects of buprenorphine and includes discussions on the less commonly acknowledged side effects such as dental health issues linked to its use.
  • The study contributes to the growing body of evidence that buprenorphine, while effective for treating opioid use disorder, requires careful monitoring for dental side effects, stressing the importance of integrating dental health assessments into routine patient care.

Extensive Dental Treatments Needed by Suboxone Users

The dental issues caused by Suboxone use can be severe, encompassing a range of problems from tooth decay and gum disease to complete tooth loss, which significantly impacts patients’ physical health.

These dental problems can lead to chronic pain and difficulty with eating, which in turn affects patients’ mental health, contributing to stress, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem.

Financially, the cost of treating these extensive dental issues can be substantial, involving multiple treatments and potentially long-term dental care, which adds an economic burden to the physical and emotional distress.

The complexity and severity of these dental problems often require patients to undergo several types of dental treatments.

Specific treatments needed by Suboxone users may include:

• Tooth Extractions: Removing severely decayed or damaged teeth that cannot be saved.
• Dental Implants: Replacing lost teeth with artificial ones to restore function and aesthetics.
• Root Canal Therapy: Treating infected or severely decayed teeth to preserve them.
• Dental Fillings: Restoring minor to moderate tooth decay damage.
• Periodontal Treatment: Addressing gum disease which can worsen with poor oral health.
• Dental Crowns: Placing caps on damaged teeth to protect and strengthen them.
• Orthodontic Treatments: Correcting misalignments caused by tooth shifts after other teeth are lost or extracted.

If you have experienced worsening dental health or severe tooth decay after using Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

We’re here to help you.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits Filed in Federal Court

The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits filed in federal court represent a significant legal challenge against the manufacturers of Suboxone, focusing on severe dental issues claimed by plaintiffs to arise from the use of the drug.

Suboxone Lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to manage the number of cases that allege similar complaints about dental problems linked to the sublingual form of the drug.

Plaintiffs argue that the manufacturer (Indivior Inc.) failed to adequately warn about the risks of tooth decay, despite knowing the potentially harmful effects of the drug on dental health.

The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits are centralized in the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, where coordinated pretrial proceedings, including discovery and potential settlement discussions, will take place.

Federal Suboxone Lawsuits highlight the severe and often debilitating dental problems experienced by users, including tooth erosion, cavities, tooth loss, and more.

These dental problems are directly attributed to the acidic nature of buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to extensive dental work necessitated by these injuries.

The outcome of the Suboxone Lawsuit filed in federal court could potentially compensate patients who have suffered severe dental injuries.

As mentioned, our law firm is accepting clients for the new Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits?

The statute of limitations is a legal term that refers to the maximum time period within which a lawsuit must be filed after an event or discovery of a condition, such as injury or harm, has occurred.

In the context of Suboxone Teeth Lawsuits, this period can vary significantly depending on the state where the lawsuit is filed.

Typically, the clock on the statute of limitations may start ticking either from the date the injury was discovered or should have been reasonably discovered.

Given that the FDA issued warnings about the potential for dental issues with Suboxone in January 2022, this date might influence when the statute of limitations begins, especially for individuals who began experiencing dental problems after this warning was issued.

Potential plaintiffs should consult with a legal expert to understand the specific time limits applicable in their case to ensure they file their lawsuit within the permissible period.

Who Can Join the Suboxone Litigation?

Individuals who can join the Suboxone litigation are those who have suffered dental issues as a direct result of using Suboxone, particularly its sublingual form.

This includes patients who took the medication before the FDA issued specific dental warnings in January 2022, as they were not adequately informed of the risks at the time of their treatment.

It is crucial for potential plaintiffs to consult with lawyers who specialize in pharmaceutical litigation to assess their eligibility based on the specifics of their situation and the local statute of limitations.

The Suboxone litigation provides a legal avenue for individuals to seek compensation for the damages and hardships caused by dental injuries linked to the use of Suboxone.

Criteria for joining the Suboxone litigation include:

• Proof of Suboxone Use: Documentation or medical records showing prescription of Suboxone, particularly before January 2022.
• Timing of Dental Issues: Dental problems must have started during or after the period of Suboxone use.
• Lack of Prior Dental Issues: Individuals with no significant dental problems prior to using Suboxone may have a stronger case.
• Geographical Jurisdiction: The claim must be filed in a jurisdiction where the statute of limitations has not expired.
• Medical Documentation: Medical records and dental records linking the dental issues directly to the use of Suboxone.

Past Lawsuits Faced by the Makers of Suboxone

The makers of Suboxone, Indivior Inc., have faced significant legal challenges beyond the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits due to their marketing practices and alleged antitrust violations.

These legal actions have centered on accusations that Indivior engaged in false marketing and efforts to suppress generic competition, which are considered serious breaches of antitrust laws.

The settlements and court rulings against Indivior have led to substantial financial penalties and mandated changes in their business practices to ensure greater transparency and fairness.

Legal actions taken against Indivior include:

• $385 Million Antitrust Settlement: Indivior settled an antitrust lawsuit for $385 million, resolving claims that it attempted to maintain a monopoly on opioid addiction treatments.
  • This settlement was part of a broader litigation involving direct purchasers of Suboxone.
• $600 Million Resolution for Criminal and Civil Liabilities: Indivior Solutions pleaded guilty to a felony charge, and Indivior entities agreed to pay $600 million to resolve criminal and civil liabilities associated with the marketing of Suboxone.
  • This resolution includes addressing allegations of making false statements to promote the drug to healthcare providers.
• $102.5 Million Multi-State Settlement: Indivior agreed to pay $102.5 million to 41 states and the District of Columbia to resolve antitrust claims related to its efforts to block generic competitors.
  • This settlement highlights the widespread impact of Indivior’s practices on state healthcare systems and patients.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Our lawyers are currently accepting new clients for legal action against the makers of Suboxone.

Dental injuries and tooth decay can significantly impact a person’s life, affecting their physical health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

If you have been prescribed Suboxone and subsequently suffered severe tooth decay and dental problems, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to join others filing Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits instantly.