Periodontal Disease Delayed Diagnosis Michigan

Many people think that health-related malpractice lawsuits only relate to general practitioners, surgeons, and other kinds of medical doctors. Few think about dental health professionals and negligence, but this is an extremely important matter for many people. If your dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon has acted in a manner that demonstrates negligent care, it's of the utmost importance that you speak with a dental malpractice lawyer.

Right now, we'd like to focus on misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of gum disease. Too many people don't think of gum disease as a serious health issue, but it definitely is.

About Gum Disease

Gum disease refers to the bacterial infection of the gums. This is caused by the same bacteria that causes tooth decay to occur. There are three stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Advanced Periodontitis

Health Problems Associated with Gum Disease

In early stages of gum disease, the most common problems tend to be minor:

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Discolored gums
• Sore gums
• Bad breath

In later stages of gum disease, the above symptoms become more severe and require major therapy or complicated dental reconstructions to address:

• Gum recession
• Tooth decay below the gumline
• Loose teeth
• Gum pain
• Tooth misalignment
• Tooth loss
• Spread of infection

There have also been some studies that suggest a link between gum disease and heart disease and respiratory health problems.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment Is Key

The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. When a dentist notices the early symptoms of gingivitis during a dental visit, it's important that the infection be controlled as soon as possible. Any delayed or missed diagnosis can be bad for the patient's dental wellness, and it can cost patients a large sum of money given the cost of invasive dental work.

This is why the failure to diagnose periodontal disease needs to be taken so seriously and why our attorneys are here to fight for you.

What happens if gum disease goes undiagnosed or untreated?

If gum disease goes untreated, it can progress to further stages of the problem. As you can see from above, the health problems related to advanced stages of gum disease can be very severe, harming other structures of the mouth in painful and serious ways. If the gum disease somehow goes missed for multiple visits, major restorative work will be necessary to rebuild a patient's dental health.

What a Dental Malpractice Lawyer Can Do for You

Attorney Robert Gittleman believes that dental health professionals need to demonstrate due diligence when it comes to providing optimal care. Whether it's a general dentist or a periodontist who has missed the gum disease, he or she needs to be held accountable since this failure on their part has a negative impact on the patient.

Mr. Gittleman will negotiate the legal system in search of compensation for you and your loved ones while you are able to get the care you need and concentrate on wellness.

Learn More About Dental Malpractice Lawsuits

For more information about your legal rights as a dental patient, be sure to contact our Michigan dental malpractice law firm today. The entire team at our firm looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve justice.