If you are experiencing unexpected dental problems, perhaps even severe tooth decay, after using Suboxone film, you’re among a growing number of individuals who may be eligible for compensation.
What was supposed to help you manage opioid dependence may have led to painful and expensive damage to your teeth. And now you may be left wondering what you can do.
For many people, the thought of taking legal action against a giant corporation like Suboxone manufacturer Indivior may seem confusing and even overwhelming.
Lawsuits.com is here to help you understand how to join a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit with straightforward, honest information that you can use to make the right decision for yourself and your health.
Table of contents
- Why Are People Suing Over Suboxone?
- Who Can File a Suboxone Lawsuit?
- Suboxone Dental Decay and Other Issues
- What’s the Process for Joining a Suboxone Lawsuit?
- Evidence for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Claim
- How Long Do You Have to File a Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit?
- Allegations Against Indivior, Suboxone’s Manufacturer
- Potential Compensation in a Suboxone Lawsuit
- The Status of Suboxone Litigation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Can I Join a Suboxone Lawsuit?
Why Are People Suing Over Suboxone?
Suboxone was created to help people overcome addiction to opioid painkillers. It combines buprenorphine and naloxone and is often prescribed in a dissolvable sublingual film or tablets that go under your tongue. The goal is to reduce withdrawal symptoms and help patients regain control over their lives.
But what doctors and patients didn’t know until recently is that Suboxone sublingual film can come with serious dental risks, especially when taken over a long period of time. Suboxone tablets generally don’t have the same serious corrosive effects that the sublingual film has because they make less contact with the teeth.
According to an FDA warning issued in January 2022, the buprenorphine in Suboxone can lead to a spectrum of oral diseases and severe dental injuries.
Thousands of Suboxone users are now filing lawsuits, alleging they were never warned about these dangers. They claim that Indivior failed to disclose the risk of dental damage linked to its acidic formula and prolonged contact with teeth and gums.
If you used Suboxone film before the drug’s label update in June 2022 and developed major dental problems, you may have a legal claim.
Who Can File a Suboxone Lawsuit?
If you’re wondering whether you qualify to file a Suboxone lawsuit, it comes down to a few key criteria. Lawsuits are being filed by people who took Suboxone before the FDA issued a dental warning in early 2022 and who have experienced serious, often irreversible dental harm as a result.
You may be eligible to claim damages if you meet the following conditions:
- You used Suboxone sublingual film (not just tablets)
- You started using Suboxone before the FDA issued its January 2022 warning
- Your prescriptions were issued before June 2022, when the drug label was updated
- You’ve experienced serious dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease
- You can show medical or dental records that link your injuries to Suboxone use
- You were not warned about these dental risks by your doctor or pharmacist
Never let doubt stop you from seeking professional guidance from a lawyer. If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Many new claimants are joining as awareness of the problem spreads.
Suboxone Dental Decay and Other Issues
Suboxone’s low pH and high acidity make it extremely corrosive to teeth because the film, which stays in prolonged contact with the teeth, may be used for weeks, months, and even years. The drug’s acidity, when it comes in contact with water, is similar to that of grapefruit or a citrus soft drink like Sprite.
Some of the common dental issues associated with Suboxone are:
Tooth-related Problems
- Tooth decay: Rapid progression of cavities, often referred to as "rampant caries"
- Enamel erosion: Weakening and loss of the protective enamel layer due to the acidic nature of Suboxone
- Tooth sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Tooth fractures: Higher risk of broken or chipped teeth due to weakened enamel
- Tooth loss: In severe cases, teeth may need to be extracted
Gum and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Gum disease: Including gingivitis and periodontitis, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and receding gums
- Oral infections: Increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections, such as thrush
- Mouth sores: Irritation or ulcers under the tongue or on the gums due to prolonged contact with Suboxone
Other Oral Health Concerns
- Dry mouth (xerostomia): Reduced saliva production, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Oral pH changes: Creation of a highly acidic environment in the mouth
- Dental abscesses: Severe infections that can develop as a result of untreated decay or gum disease
Long-term Consequences
- Extensive dental work: Many users require fillings, crowns, or extractions
- Irreversible damage: Most enamel damage caused by Suboxone cannot be reversed
Related article: Side Effects of Suboxone
What’s the Process for Joining a Suboxone Lawsuit?
It’s normal for the thought of taking legal action to feel overwhelming and oppressive. It shouldn’t have to. Consulting with a lawyer about your potential case should put your mind at ease and give you hope.
The process for joining a Suboxone lawsuit is more straightforward than it seems. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—and you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get started.
Here’s what the process of filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit looks like:
- Reach out to a Suboxone lawyer. Most firms offer a free consultation and only get paid if you win.
- Talk through your case. The law firm will ask about your Suboxone use, when your dental issues began, and what kind of treatments you’ve had.
- Confirm your eligibility. If you meet the criteria, they’ll move forward with your case.
- Gather your records. This may include your Suboxone prescriptions, dental records, medical bills, and more.
- File your claim. Your attorney will draft the legal documents and submit them to the appropriate court.
- Settle or go to trial. Many cases settle out of court, but some may proceed to trial if needed.
It might sound like a lot, but remember, you’re not doing this alone. A good attorney handles all the legal matters – the paperwork, deadlines, and legal strategy for you. Your job is to be honest, gather what relevant materials you can, and stay in touch.
Evidence for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Claim
To file a strong Suboxone claim, you and your lawyer must show that you used Suboxone as prescribed and suffered dental harm as a result. The more documentation you can provide, the stronger your case may be.
Here’s the kind of evidence needed to back a Suboxone dental claim:
- Suboxone prescription records (including start dates and dosage)
- Dental records showing tooth decay, extractions, gum disease, etc.
- Photos of your teeth before and after, if available
- Medical records documenting your oral health and treatments
- Medical bills and receipts for dental procedures and medications
- Testimony or statements describing how Suboxone affected your health and life
- Insurance documents showing what was covered or denied related to your dental care
A qualified Suboxone lawyer will guide you through collecting the evidence you need. And don’t worry if you don’t have everything right away. Many people start with partial records, and attorneys can help fill in the gaps.
Good evidence is what makes the difference between a denied claim and a successful one. It turns your experience into a documented case, and that’s what gets results in court.
How Long Do You Have to File a Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit?
Every state has its own statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a claim. In Suboxone cases, the timeline usually starts from the date you discovered the injury—or reasonably should have.
Depending on where you live, the deadline could be as short as one year or as long as three or more. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to file, no matter how strong your case is. Don’t delay seeking the legal help you need. The right time to start your case is today.
Allegations Against Indivior, Suboxone’s Manufacturer
Suboxone didn’t suddenly become harmful in 2022. The problem, according to many lawsuits, is that Indivior knew or should have known about the dental risks long before the FDA stepped in.
Here’s a look at some key issues at the center of the litigation:
- Failure to warn: Patients and providers say they weren’t told about the risk of dental injuries until it was too late.
- Delayed safety label: The FDA issued its warning in January 2022, and Indivior didn’t update Suboxone’s label until June 2022.
- Product design concerns: The sublingual film version of Suboxone exposes teeth to acid for extended periods, contributing to tooth decay and enamel erosion.
- Aggressive marketing: Plaintiffs claim Indivior prioritized profits over patient safety, pushing the drug without adequate risk disclosures.
- Previous legal trouble: In 2019, Indivior paid $1.4 billion in fines for other deceptive marketing practices tied to Suboxone.
The lawsuits allege that Indivior chose not to act, even as reports of serious dental issues began to pile up. These claims are now being consolidated in Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3092) in the Northern District of Ohio.
Potential Compensation in a Suboxone Lawsuit
You wanted the benefits that Suboxone provides, but you would never have chosen to use it had you known the problems it would cause to your dental health. You would have picked a safer option.
Now, you’re left with permanent dental damage, overwhelming bills, and real pain. A Suboxone lawsuit is your chance to seek justice and recover what you’ve lost.
Here’s the type of compensation you may be able to claim:
- Medical and dental expenses: Fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, dentures, implants, and anticipated long-term care
- Lost wages: Time missed from work or reduced ability to work due to dental procedures or pain
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress tied to dental injuries
- Loss of quality of life: Difficulty eating, speaking, smiling, or participating in social or professional activities
- Punitive damages: In some cases, additional damages may be awarded to penalize the manufacturer for recklessness
This kind of compensation can help offset your financial strain and bring a sense of justice for what you’ve endured.
The Status of Suboxone Litigation
Suboxone litigation is gaining momentum across the country as more people come forward with stories of serious dental injuries associated with the drug. The majority of cases have been consolidated into a federal proceeding called multidistrict litigation (MDL), but some cases are still proceeding independently in state courts.
There are currently several hundred Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in MDL No. 3092, titled In re: Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) Film Products Liability Litigation. This MDL was established in February 2024 and is being overseen by Judge Philip Calabrese in the Northern District of Ohio.
As the number of filed cases grows, legal observers expect the litigation to evolve quickly, with potential bellwether trials in the near future to help gauge settlement values. Bellwethers are a few initial complaints that are representative of the larger group.
If you believe you’ve been harmed by Suboxone and haven’t yet filed a claim, the time to act is now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need dental records to file a claim?
Yes. Your lawyer will help you collect records that support your case, including treatment dates, procedure types, and notes from your dentist.
Will I have to go to court?
Likely not. Most cases settle out of court. If yours does go to trial, your attorney will handle the heavy lifting.
Is this a class action lawsuit?
No. In a class action, one case represents everyone with the same issue, and all plaintiffs share the outcome. In an MDL, each person files their own individual lawsuit, but similar cases are grouped together to save time and resources during pretrial proceedings. An MDL allows your case to be handled based on your specific injuries and damages while still benefiting from the coordination and momentum of hundreds of similar claims.
Can I Afford a Lawyer?
You don’t have to pay anything upfront. Suboxone lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement, which means they only get paid if your case is successfully resolved. This approach allows everyone to access legal representation without any out-of-pocket expense.
What kind of payout can I expect from a Suboxone lawsuit?
While every case is different, current projections suggest that Suboxone dental injury claims may settle for amounts ranging between $50,000 and $175,000 per person. That said, higher-value cases involving extensive dental treatment, major financial hardship, or strong evidence of harm could result in even larger payouts.
It's important to understand that these are only estimates, and there is no guarantee of a settlement or recovery. Any actual compensation you do receive will depend on the facts of your case, the strength of your documentation, and how negotiations or trial proceedings unfold.
Related article: How Much is the Suboxone Lawsuit Going to Payout?
How Can I Join a Suboxone Lawsuit?
If Suboxone caused your dental injuries, you have every right to ask, “What now?” You’ve already endured the pain, the appointments, the bills, and likely the frustration of not knowing exactly what your next step should be.
At Lawsuits.com, we’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and help you move forward. We maintain a national network of experienced and proven personal injury lawyers who work with people harmed by dangerous medications and deceptive drug companies.
We can connect you with a Suboxone tooth decay lawyer close to you. They will review your case, help you gather your records, and walk you through every step of the process—with care, clarity, and zero pressure.
- No upfront cost
- Free consultation
- Compassionate support from start to finish
- Aggressive legal representation you need to win
Your dental injuries aren’t your fault. You deserve answers and a chance to recover.
Call (888) 984-6195 or contact us online to get started.
Let’s find out if you qualify to join the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit and pursue the compensation you deserve.