Informed Consent – Oral Surgery and Dental Extractions

1. Bleeding and/or bruising: Bleeding could last for several hours. Should bleeding persist, it should receive attention, and this office must be contacted. Bruising may possibly be prolonged.
2. Dry socket: Dry socket occurs on occasion when teeth are extracted and is a result of a blood clot not forming properly during the healing process. Dry socket can be extremely painful. Smoking, drinking liquids through a straw and not following post-operative recommendations can increase the chances of this complication.
3. Infection: No matter how carefully surgical sterility is maintained, it is possible for infections to occur postoperatively. At times these may become serious and in case of any swelling this office should be contacted. In some cases, especially with lack of prompt treatment, hospitalization and I.V. antibiotics may become necessary.
4. Sinus involvement: In some cases, the root tips of upper teeth lie in close proximity to the tissues of the sinuses. During extraction or surgical procedures, the thin bone and tissues surrounding the sinus membrane may be perforated. Should this occur, it may be necessary to have the sinus surgically repaired.
5. Injury to adjacent teeth, fillings or porcelain crowns: Injury may occur no matter how carefully surgical and/or extraction procedures are performed. Fractured fillings or crowns may require replacement.
6. Bacterial endocarditis: Mainly in susceptible individuals, namely for patients with congenital heart defects and prosthetic valves amongst other defects, the heart may be prone to bacterial infection from bacteria transmitted from the mouth. A condition called bacterial endocarditis (an infection of the heart) may occur which can result in damage to heart valves. If any heart problems are known or suspected the dentist must be informed prior to surgery.
7. Muscle or jaw soreness: Muscle or jaw soreness may be noticed following oral surgery and especially third molar extractions. Pre-existing conditions affecting the jaw joints (TMJ) may be aggravated by oral surgery. Clicking, popping, muscle soreness and difficulty opening may be noticed for some time following surgery. If such symptoms or conditions persist, the patient should call our office. The patient must notify the dentist of any such pre-existing conditions prior to surgery.
8. Unusual reactions to medications: Reactions may occur from anesthetics or other medications administered or prescribed. It is important to take all prescription drugs according to instructions and inform us promptly of any unwanted side effects or signs of allergy. Women on oral contraceptives must be aware that antibiotics can render these contraceptives ineffective. Caution must be exercised to utilize other methods of contraception during the treatment period.
9. Bisphosphonate Drug Risks: For patients who have taken this kind of drug or any other drug prescribed to decrease the resorption of bone for osteoporosis or for treatment of metastatic bone cancer, there is an increased risk of osteonecrosis or failure of bone to heal properly following any oral surgical procedure involving bone, including extractions.
10. Fractured jaw, roots or bone fragments: There is a possibility, even though extreme care is exercised, that the jawbone, tooth roots may be fractured or bony spicules may form which may require referral to a specialist for treatment. Rarely, a decision may be made to leave a small piece of root or bone fragment in the jaw when its removal would require extensive surgery and/or risk of complications.
11. Injury to nerves: Injury to the nerves of the lips, the tongue, the tissues in the floor of the mouth, and/or the cheeks, etc. These unlikely nerve injuries (or simply physical pressure or inflammation) can cause numbness, tingling, burning, and/or loss of taste in the case of the tongue. These symptoms may be of a temporary nature lasting from a few days to several months, or rarely it could be permanent in nature.

INFORMED CONSENT

1. I have been given the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the nature and purpose of surgical treatment and/or extraction of teeth and have received answers to my satisfaction.
2. I voluntarily assume any and all possible risks, including the risk of harm, if any, which may be associated with any phase of this treatment in hopes of obtaining the desired results, which may or may not be achieved.
3. No guarantees or promises have been made to me concerning my recovery and results of the treatment to be rendered to me.
4. It is my responsibility to contact the dentist and seek attention should any undue circumstances occur postoperatively.
5. I shall diligently follow any preoperative and postoperative instructions given to me.