Timber Springs: Broken Tooth Left Untreated - ID
Resident 68, who suffers from diabetes, COPD, delusional disorders, depression and anxiety, had only four teeth remaining in her lower jaw when one broke off at the gum line. The area around the broken tooth was red and bleeding when inspectors examined her on September 12.
The resident's care plan from July documented that she was "edentulous" — missing most of her teeth — and complaining of lower gum pain. Staff were directed to monitor for signs of oral and dental problems including pain, missing or broken teeth, and decay.
On August 17, the resident told staff her mouth was hurting from the broken tooth and she wanted something put on it. A progress note from that day recommended follow-up with a dentist and ordered Orajel three times daily for pain relief. Staff were instructed to monitor the broken tooth every shift for signs of infection including pain, drainage, fever or trouble eating.
No dental appointment was scheduled.
The resident's family member expressed concern during the inspection, telling investigators on September 9 that the facility had not arranged dental care despite his mother having only four teeth and one recently breaking. A review of the resident's medical records showed no documented attempts to set up a dental appointment before September 10 — nearly a month after the tooth broke.
The Director of Nursing acknowledged on September 11 that the resident had recently started complaining of oral discomfort but could not explain why no dental appointment had been scheduled in July or August.
The resident's condition created multiple risks. Her care plan already identified her as potentially at nutritional risk due to her diabetes and COPD diagnoses, conditions that can be worsened by inability to chew properly. The facility's own documentation warned that the broken tooth could lead to infection.
Resident 68 was first admitted to Timber Springs in November and readmitted later with cellulitis of her left lower leg. A July assessment confirmed her cognitive impairment, making her dependent on staff to advocate for her medical needs.
The facility's care plan from March had noted the resident did not have teeth, would not wear dentures, and could be at nutritional risk. By July, staff documented she was complaining of gum pain, yet no preventive dental care was arranged even as her condition deteriorated.
Federal regulations require nursing homes to provide routine and emergency dental care for residents. The inspection found Timber Springs failed this basic requirement, creating potential for actual harm if the resident's nutritional status declined or if she developed a serious infection from the damaged tooth.
The broken tooth remained visible at the gum line during the inspection, with obvious redness and bleeding in the surrounding tissue. The resident had been experiencing this condition for weeks while facility staff applied topical pain relief but made no efforts to address the underlying dental emergency.
Resident 68's case illustrates how vulnerable cognitively impaired residents depend entirely on nursing home staff to recognize and respond to their medical needs. Despite clear documentation of her complaints, obvious physical symptoms, and family concerns, the facility allowed her condition to persist without seeking appropriate dental intervention.
The inspection occurred as a result of a complaint, suggesting the family's frustration with the facility's inaction prompted the federal review. By the time investigators arrived, the resident had endured nearly a month of documented pain from a condition her own care plan identified as requiring immediate attention.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Timber Springs Transitional Care from 2025-09-12 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
Additional Resources
- View all inspection reports for Timber Springs Transitional Care
- Browse all ID nursing home inspections
Data source: Official federal inspection data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Editorial process: AI-synthesized regulatory data, reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team.
Professional review: All content reviewed by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., NH EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
Last verified: June 15, 2026 · Our methodology
Timber Springs Transitional Care in Boise, ID was cited for violations during a health inspection on September 12, 2025.
The area around the broken tooth was red and bleeding when inspectors examined her on September 12.
Health inspections identify deficiencies that facilities must correct. Violations range from minor documentation issues to serious safety concerns. Review the full report below for specific details and facility response.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened at Timber Springs Transitional Care?
- The area around the broken tooth was red and bleeding when inspectors examined her on September 12.
- How serious are these violations?
- Violation severity varies from minor documentation issues to serious safety concerns. Review the inspection report for specific deficiency codes and scope. All violations must be corrected within required timeframes and are subject to follow-up verification inspections.
- What should families do?
- Families should: (1) Ask facility administration about specific corrective actions taken, (2) Request to see the follow-up inspection report verifying corrections, (3) Check if this represents a pattern by reviewing prior inspection reports, (4) Compare this facility's ratings with other nursing homes in Boise, ID, (5) Report any new concerns directly to state authorities.
- Where can I see the full inspection report?
- The complete inspection report is available on Medicare.gov's Care Compare website (www.medicare.gov/care-compare). You can also request a copy directly from Timber Springs Transitional Care or from the state Department of Health. The report includes specific deficiency codes, facility responses, and correction timelines. This facility's federal provider number is 135098.
- Has this facility had violations before?
- To check Timber Springs Transitional Care's history, visit Medicare.gov's Care Compare and review their inspection history, quality ratings, and staffing levels. Look for patterns of repeated violations, especially in critical areas like abuse prevention, medication management, infection control, and resident safety.