Can the CNESST reimburse expenses related to dental treatments for cavities? Of course!
In the decision Roy et Plastimum, the Tribunal administratif du travail had to rule on this matter.
The worker had suffered from a work accident, due to which she had sacroiliac dysfunction. She suffered a lot, thus we prescribed her medication.
During a follow-up, the worker had several restoration treatments to her teeth. When the surgeon-dentist saw her two years later, he noticed many cavities. However, the worker’s dental hygiene was flawless. The doctor concluded that it was a xerostomia phenomenon.
Xerostomia is a temporary disorder that causes dry mouth due to insufficient production from the salivary glands. This is a common side effect of medication. Therefore, according to the dentist, the medication that was prescribed to the worker caused the formation of cavities on nearly all of her teeth. In the CNESST’s notes, it was acknowledged that 60% of the pharmacological products that the worker used could cause xerostomia.
Even though the worker smoked and consumed energy drinks, the Court concluded that, despite the multifactorial causes of tooth decay, the rapid deterioration was likely related to the treatments prescribed for her work injury. Therefore, the treatments for the numerous cavities will be reimbursed to the worker.
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