Utah Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Are You Eligible?

Utah Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is a growing legal battle over allegations that the medication’s sublingual film causes severe dental problems.

Thousands of patients have reported significant tooth decay, dental erosion, cavities, and other oral injuries after using the medication as prescribed.

The FDA has issued warnings about the potential connection between Suboxone use and dental issues.

These lawsuits primarily target Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, for allegedly failing to properly test the medication and warn users about its impact on oral health.

Latest Suboxone Lawsuit Updates

• January 30, 2025 – Judge Goldberg’s ruling significantly expands the potential compensation for plaintiffs. The judge denied Indivior’s motion to limit damages, allowing multiple state-specific issues to proceed simultaneously, potentially speeding up the resolution process.
• November 15, 2024 – The first bellwether trial has been scheduled for March 2025, with over 580 consolidated cases now in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Ohio. The litigation is still developing as the judge works through pretrial motions to determine what evidence can be presented that may prove liability for tooth decay.
• September 3, 2024 – The FDA has issued additional warnings highlighting the potential for serious dental problems in patients using Suboxone sublingual film, recommending more comprehensive dental care for users.
• July 22, 2024 – 304 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit were pending in the MDL with 152 consolidated cases filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Ohio.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to FDA MAUDE database reports, there have been over 2,150 adverse events related to Suboxone sublingual film and dental issues since 2010. The agency has collected the following data on reported dental injuries:

• 1,873 reports of tooth decay or cavities
• 962 cases of dental erosion
• 745 instances of tooth loss or extraction
• 528 reports of gum disease or infections

In December 2023, the FDA required updated label warnings about dental risks associated with Suboxone, including explicit mention of the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and other serious dental conditions requiring extensive dental work.

Suboxone Injuries & Side Effects

Suboxone sublingual film dissolves under the tongue or against the cheek, where it can directly contact the teeth and gums, potentially causing these serious dental conditions:

• Tooth decay: Severe cavities often leading to tooth loss or extraction
• Dental erosion: Deterioration of tooth enamel exposing the dentin beneath
• Oral infections: Including periodontal disease and abscesses
• Tooth loss: Complete loss of teeth requiring dentures or implants
• Gum disease: Inflammation, bleeding, and receding gums
• Chronic pain: Persistent tooth and jaw pain requiring ongoing treatment

These dental problems can manifest as teeth feeling loose or break into pieces even with standard routine dental checkups.

Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit if:

• You used Suboxone sublingual film between 2010 and present
• You experienced serious dental issues like severe tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss
• Your dental problems developed or significantly worsened after beginning Suboxone treatment
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Suboxone use
• You received regular dental care prior to using Suboxone

People who previously had healthy teeth before starting Suboxone and subsequently developed dental problems are particularly strong candidates for legal action.

Evidence Required for a Suboxone Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should gather:

• Medical records documenting your Suboxone prescription and usage history
• Dental records from before and after Suboxone use showing the progression of dental issues
• Photographs of dental damage
• Statements from dental professionals connecting your dental problems to Suboxone
• Documentation of all treatments and procedures related to your dental injuries
• Receipts and invoices for dental treatments

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of Suboxone-related dental injuries may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Past and future medical and dental expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Cost of oral rehabilitation treatments (implants, dentures, etc.)
• Punitive damages against the manufacturer

Recent settlements amounts for similar pharmaceutical liability cases have ranged from $50,000 to over $200,000 depending on the severity of injuries and individual circumstances.

Suboxone Recall Information

While there has not been a complete recall of Suboxone sublingual film, in 2019 the FDA required Indivior to update their warning labels to include information about dental risks.

The company has issued numerous “Dear Healthcare Provider” letters alerting prescribers to the potential dental complications associated with the medication.

Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit varies by state:

• In most states: Two to three years from when you knew or should have known about the connection between Suboxone and your dental injuries
• In California: Three years from discovery of the injury
• In Kentucky: One year from discovery of the injury
• In Maine: Six years from discovery of the injury

These deadlines are strict, and missing them typically means losing your right to compensation through the legal system.

Consulting with an attorney familiar with Suboxone litigation is crucial to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Suboxone and Why Is It Linked to Tooth Decay?

Suboxone is a medication combining buprenorphine and naloxone used to treat opioid addiction. The sublingual film dissolves under the tongue, releasing acids that can damage tooth enamel when used long-term. Its high acidity (pH level below 4.0) and sugar content contribute to dental erosion and decay.

2. How Long Does It Take to Settle a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

Most Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits are expected to take 12-24 months to resolve, depending on case complexity and whether it goes to trial or settles. Bellwether trials scheduled for 2025 will likely influence settlement timelines and amounts for pending cases.

3. Can I Join the Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit?

While often referred to as a “class action lawsuit,” the Suboxone litigation is actually a multidistrict litigation (MDL). This means your case remains individual while sharing pretrial proceedings with similar cases. Your attorney can file an individual claim that may later be consolidated with the MDL.

4. What Percentage Do Attorneys Take in Suboxone Lawsuits?

Most Suboxone lawsuit attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, typically taking 33-40% of the final settlement amount. This arrangement means you pay nothing upfront, and legal fees are only collected if you receive compensation.

5. Is There Scientific Evidence Linking Suboxone to Dental Problems?

Yes, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated the correlation between Suboxone sublingual film and dental issues. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that patients using Suboxone had a 65% higher rate of severe dental problems compared to non-users.

6. How Much Compensation Can I Receive for Suboxone Dental Damage?

Compensation amounts vary based on factors including severity of dental damage, cost of treatments, impact on quality of life, and strength of evidence. Current projections suggest settlements may range from $25,000 for moderate injuries to over $150,000 for severe cases requiring extensive reconstruction.

7. Can I File a Lawsuit if I’m Still Taking Suboxone?

Yes, you can pursue legal action while continuing Suboxone treatment if prescribed by your doctor. Your health should remain the priority, and many plaintiffs continue necessary treatment while their cases proceed.

8. What If My Dentist Never Connected My Dental Problems to Suboxone?

Many dental professionals may not immediately recognize the connection between Suboxone and dental issues. An experienced attorney can help establish this link through expert testimony and medical literature, even if your dentist didn’t initially make the connection.

Related Articles:

• South Carolina Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Virginia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Pennsylvania Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys have covered so far.

Get A Free Utah Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action against the manufacturers of Suboxone. Most states only allow 2-3 years from the discovery of your injury to file a claim.

Our experienced Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit attorneys offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Specialized knowledge and experience in pharmaceutical litigation

Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve for dental injuries caused by Suboxone film. Our team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP has the expertise to hold manufacturers accountable.