as previously explained to me, or other procedures deemed necessary or advisable as necessary to complete the planned treatment.
I understand that the purpose of the procedure/surgery is to treat and possibly correct my diseased oral/maxillofacial tissues. The doctor has advised me that if this condition persists without treatment or surgery, my present oral/maxillofacial condition will probably worsen in time, and the risks to my health may include, but are not limited to the following: swelling, pain, infection, cyst or tumor formation, periodontal (gum) disease, dental caries, malocclusion, pathologic fracture of jaw, premature loss of teeth and/or premature loss of bone. I have been informed of possible alternative methods of treatment, if any.
The doctor has explained to me that there are certain inherent and potential risks in any treatment plan or procedure, and that in this specific instance such operative risks include, but are not limited to:
1) Swelling, bruising and pain: These can occur with any surgery and vary from patient to patient and from one surgery to another.
2) Trismus: This is a limited opening of the jaws due to inflammation and/or swelling in the muscles. This is most common with impacted tooth removal but it is possible with any surgery.
3) Infection: This is possible with any surgical procedure and may require further surgery and/or medications if it does occur.
4) Bleeding: Although significant bleeding can occur during or after surgery, it is not common. Some bleeding is, however, usual for most surgeries and is normally controlled by following the post-op instruction sheet.
5) Drug reactions: A reaction is possible from any medication given and could include nausea, rash, anaphylactic shock and/or death. It is now appreciated that antibiotics will inactivate most birth control pills. Sexually active women who take birth control pills should use another method of contraception for the remainder of the menstrual cycle if antibiotics are prescribed.
6) TMJ dysfunction: This means the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) may not function properly and, although rare, may require treatment ranging from use of heat and rest to further surgery.
7) Reaction to local anesthetic: Certain possible risks exist that, although uncommon or rare, could include pain, swelling, bruising, infection, nerve damage, idiosyncratic or allergic reactions. In very rare and unpredictable cases the reactions to anesthesia medications can be life threatening.
8) Reaction to IV sedation: Certain possible risks exist that, although uncommon or rare, could include hives, rashes, nausea, sweating and vomiting, pain, swelling, inflammation and/or bruising at the injection site. Rare complications could include nerve damage to the arm, allergic or idiosyncratic drug reactions. In very rare and unpredictable cases the reactions to anesthesia medications can be life threatening.
9) Dry socket: This is significant pain in the jaw and ear due to loss of the blood clot and most commonly occurs after the removal of lower wisdom teeth, but is possible with any extraction. It occurs more frequently in patients who smoke after surgery. This may require additional office visits to treat.
10) Damage to other teeth and/or dental restorations: Due to the close proximity of the teeth, it is possible to damage other teeth and/or dental restorations when a tooth is removed.
11) Sharp ridges or bone splinters: Occasionally, after an extraction, the edge of the socket will be sharp or a bone splinter will come out through the gum. This may require another procedure to smooth the bone or remove the bone fragment.
12) Incomplete removal of tooth fragments: There are times the doctor may decide to leave a small fragment or root of a tooth in order to avoid damage to adjacent structures such as nerves, sinuses, etc., or when removal would require extensive further surgery.
13) Numbness: Due to the proximity of roots of lower teeth to the nerve, it is possible to bruise or damage the nerve with removal of a tooth. The lip, chin and/or tongue could feel numb, tingling or have a burning sensation. This could remain for days, weeks, or very rarely, permanently.
14) Sinus involvement: Due to the location of the roots of the upper teeth to the sinus, it is possible that an opening may develop from the sinus to the mouth or that a root may be displaced into the sinus. A possible infection could develop and may require medication and/or later surgery to correct.
15) Fracture of the jaw bone: On rare occasions, when the jaw bone has been weakened by preexisting conditions, the force required to remove a tooth may cause the bone to break. This may require further surgery to correct.
16) Stretching of the corners of the mouth with resultant cracking and bruising: This may occur due to retraction of the cheeks during surgery.
