Suboxone is a medicine that is mainly used to treat opioid dependence. Yet, patients who use it frequently experience tooth decay and damage. According to NIH and CDC studies, 22% of Americans with opioid addiction have a prescription for suboxone. Sadly, a large number of these people have serious dental issues.
Dental decay and damage from Suboxone use are frequently severe, necessitating extensive treatment to restore oral health. This blog post examines the causes of dental decay and damage linked to Suboxone use. It also covers the legal options for covering treatment costs while outlining the current numbers.
How Does Suboxone Cause Tooth Decay?
Suboxone comprises buprenorphine and naloxone. These are two drugs that are essential for treating opioid dependence. However, it can also cause dry mouth, a major risk factor for tooth decay.
Dry mouth (xerostomia), causes a decrease in saliva production, which is required for acid neutralization and food particle removal. The acidic conditions and food detritus encourage bacterial growth, resulting in plaque buildup and tooth damage.
Furthermore, Suboxone might boost sugar cravings, heightening the likelihood of decay. Over time, an inadequate supply of saliva and excessive sugar consumption can cause considerable tooth damage, requiring various dental procedures.
The Subsequent Lawsuits
Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit has resulted in settlements compensating plaintiffs’ dental care costs. Many people who have developed tooth decay as a result of Suboxone use have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers. They claimed that the medication’s adverse effects were not fully disclosed.
These settlements can greatly reduce the cost of critical dental care, guaranteeing that affected persons obtain the care they require.
Also Read : Who Are Lil Mabu parents? Intriguing Lives Of Lil Mabu Parents
The Cost of Fixing Tooth Damage from Suboxone Use
Dental treatments are excessive and can lead to enormous out-of-pocket expenses if not covered by your insurance provider. According to TorHoerman Law, settlements from the lawsuit can help cover these charges, lowering your financial burden.
Dental Cleaning and Fluoride Treatments
Professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing further deterioration. These cleanings help to remove tartar and plaque, which usually leads to cavities and gum disease, according to Healthline.
Fluoride treatments help to strengthen tooth enamel and might fix decay in the early stages. They are commonly used during routine dental checkups to treat and prevent additional damage.
Fluoride treatments typically cost between $28 and $62. Regular cleanings are advised every six months, ranging from $95 to $200 per visit, reports Newmouth.
Dental Fillings and Sealants
Cavity-damaged teeth are commonly dealt with dental fillings. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, they restore degraded areas and prevent future degradation. The level of decay and the individual’s demands determine the regularity of fillings. Furthermore, dental sealants might prevent decay in molars and premolars by coating their grooves and fissures with protective layers.
Express Dentist says fillings typically cost between $75 and $250 per tooth. Sealants are usually applied during routine dental visits and cost between $20 and $50 per tooth.
Root Canal Therapy and Crowns
According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal therapy requires removing the diseased pulp from within the tooth. The procedure is essential for teeth with extensive decay that has spread to the pulp. This therapy saves the tooth and relieves pain.
Crowns are placed as a shield for a damaged tooth. It becomes necessary especially if the tooth has considerable decay or has undergone a root canal. Crowns restore a tooth’s functionality and appearance.
Root canal therapy costs between $500 and $1,500 per tooth. While crowns range from $500 to $2,000 for each tooth, says Humana.
Tooth Extraction
In cases where a tooth can’t be saved from severe damage, it is extracted. This process is needed to prevent more oral health issues. Surgical extraction can cost anywhere from $180 to $550. On the contrary, a primary extraction may range in price from $75 to $250.
Also Read : Streamlining Your Testing with WebdriverIO: Tips And Tricks
FAQs
Is it possible to avoid dental decay when taking Suboxone?
Tooth decay can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene and drinking plenty of water. Wait at least an hour after taking Suboxone to brush your teeth. It is also suggested to use sugar-free gum or lozenges to increase salivation, and schedule routine dental exams.
Can dental care required for damage caused by suboxone be covered by insurance?
Dental insurance may cover some treatments, but coverage varies. Speak with your provider to learn your plan specifics and what you have to pay out of pocket. If dental damage is proven to be directly caused by Suboxone use, it might be possible to claim these expenses. This would cover both preventative and restorative dental treatments.
Are there alternatives to Suboxone that do not involve dental decay?
While methadone and buprenorphine on their own are viable options, they come with certain drawbacks, such as dry mouth. Another alternative is Naltrexone, which is available in both pill form and as a monthly injection (Vivitrol). Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist.
How long does it take to finish dental procedures required to repair damage caused by suboxone?
The length of time depends on the degree of damage and the necessary therapies. For Suboxone users who have suffered extensive dental damage, the process can involve multiple procedures over a potentially extended period. These procedures might include crown replacements, tooth extractions, and root canals. Depending on the procedure, recovery can also last several weeks to months
Recovering your oral health after using Suboxone may be expensive. However, knowing what treatments are required and how much they will cost will help you budget wisely. Financial relief in legal settlements may guarantee access to the necessary dental care.
