Osteomyelitis of the Jaw Attorney Serving Clients Across Maryland

Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can be caused by medical malpractice. It can also result from the dentist performing certain procedures in the mouth of a person taking certain drugs (bisphosphonates) following cancer treatment or for osteoporosis. 

In extreme cases, untreated infections lead to osteomyelitis of the jaw resulting in part of the jaw being surgically removed to halt its spread. If you have been affected by this condition, your dentist may have performed their job incorrectly and should be held responsible. The Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg can investigate the circumstances of your infection and help you take legal action, if appropriate. 

With our firm, the first step is a free consultation. Call us and schedule yours today. 

What Causes Osteomyelitis of The Jaw? 

Fortunately, osteomyelitis of the jaw is a rare condition. It usually results from untreated infections, but can also arise from oral surgery performed without the dentist remembering that the patient is on certain medications that are involved in addressing cancer and osteoporosis. 

The people who develop osteomyelitis of the jaw typically do so after dental treatment while they are taking these medications. Even a routine tooth extraction can lead to this serious condition. 

In osteomyelitis of the jaw, the bone becomes infected, and eventually necrotic, which means the bone dies and has to be removed. Further negligence can be the failure of the dentist to recognize the presence of osteomyelitis and allow it to continue to spread. 

A Case Study 

In one case we handled, the patient was a cancer survivor taking Fosamax. Although it was on his intake sheet, the dentist went ahead and performed a surgical extraction. 

The dentist did not recognize the significance of this and just suggested that what looked like an infection was slow-healing. By the time it was diagnosed by another dentist, the patient had lost a large segment of his lower jaw. 

What Other Procedures Can Lead to Osteomyelitis? 

Other procedures that can lead to osteomyelitis of the jaw include: 

• Root canals 

• Dental implants 

• Failure to diagnose or treat an existing infection 

Symptoms of Jawbone Infection - Osteomyelitis 

Many people seek treatment for osteomyelitis after experiencing severe jaw pain. 

Other signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis include: 

• Necrosis of jaw bone 

• Swelling, redness, and warmth 

• Malaise (general discomfort, illness, or uneasiness) 

• Nausea 

• Fever 

• Chills 

• Excessive sweating 

• Fatigue 

• Drainage of pus via an open wound 

If your osteomyelitis is a result of extraction, the area where your tooth once was (the socket) may also be poorly healed and have a “moth-eaten” appearance on x-rays. 

Any of these symptoms may cause you to seek treatment, and if you are diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the jaw, you should call an attorney immediately. Call us or contact us online to get started. 

How Is Osteomyelitis of The Jaw Diagnosed? 

Osteomyelitis of the jaw is diagnosed with: 

• CT bone scans 

• Blood cultures 

• MRIs 

• Needle aspiration 

• Or bone lesion biopsy 

Osteomyelitis of the Jaw Treatment 

Once the infection is discovered, you may have to undergo prolonged antibiotic therapy, sometimes intravenously (through an IV). In severe cases, you may need surgery to remove dead bone and tissue. 

These treatments are time-consuming and expensive, which is why we encourage you to investigate a dental malpractice lawsuit with our firm. A successful case can help you afford all the costs associated with remediating the problem caused by your dentist’s negligence and cover all dental expenses you may have moving forward. 

Settlements and verdicts also recognize your physical pain and mental anguish. The Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg will pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. 

Why Choose the Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg? 

Attorney Fred Goldberg has been practicing law since 1981, and he represents plaintiffs in more than 75% of Maryland’s dental malpractice cases. Clients are our top priority, and we come highly recommended by both former clients and fellow attorneys. We also offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with Attorney Goldberg, free of charge.