I understand that some of the potential complications of this treatment include, but are not limited to:
Tooth Sensitivity/Pain - During the first 24 hours after Zoom treatment, some patients can experience some tooth sensitivity or pain. This is normal and is usually mild, but it can be worse in susceptible individuals. Normally, tooth sensitivity or pain following a Zoom treatment subsides within 24 hours, but in rare cases can persist for longer periods of time in susceptible individuals. People with existing sensitivity, recession exposing root surfaces, exposed dentin, untreated caries, cracked teeth, abfractions, oral tissue injury, open cavities, leaking fillings, or other dental conditions that cause sensitivity or allow higher penetration of the gel into the tooth may find that those condition increase or prolong tooth sensitivity or pain after Zoom treatment.
Gum/Lip/Cheek Inflammation/Burn - Improper isolation during the whitening procedure may cause or result in (i) inflammation of your gums, lips, or cheek margins due to exposure of a small area of those tissues to the whitening gel or the LED light, or (ii) a chemical burn due to whitening gel coming in contact with soft tissue. The inflammation or burn is usually temporary and will subside in a few days. Although, this persists longer and may result in significant pain or discomfort, depending on the degree to which the soft tissues were exposed to the gel or LED light.
Dry/Chapped Lips - The Zoom treatment involves three, 15-minute sessions during which the mouth is kept open continuously for the entire treatment by a plastic retractor that covers the lips. This could result in dryness or chapping of the lips or cheek margins, which can be treated by the application of lip balm, petroleum jelly, or Vitamin E oil.
Cavities or Leaking Fillings - Most dental whitening is indicated for the outside of the teeth, except for patients who have already undergone a root canal procedure. If any open cavities or fillings that are leaking and allowing the gel to penetrate the tooth are present, significant pain could result. I understand that if my teeth have these conditions, I should have my cavities filled or my fillings redone before undergoing the Zoom treatment.
Cervical Abrasion/Erosion - These are conditions that affect the roots of the teeth when the gums recede. They are characterized by grooves, notches, and/or depressions, that appear darker than the rest of the teeth, where the teeth meet the gums. These areas appear darker because they lack the enamel that covers the rest of the teeth. Even if these areas are not currently sensitive, they can allow the whitening gel to penetrate the teeth, causing sensitivity. I understand that if cervical abrasion/ erosion exists on my teeth, these areas will be covered with a dental dam prior to my Zoom treatment.
Relapse - After the Zoom treatment, it is natural for the teeth that underwent the Zoom treatment to regress somewhat in their shading after treatment. This is natural and should be very gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents. Treatment usually involves wearing a take-home tray or repeating the Zoom treatment. I understand that the results of the Zoom treatment are not intended to be permanent and that secondary, repeat or take-home treatments may be needed for me to maintain the tooth shade I desire for my teeth.
The safety, efficacy, potential complications, and risks of Zoom treatment can be explained to me by my dentist and I understand that more information on this will be provided to me upon my request. Since it is impossible to state every complication that may occur as a result of Zoom treatment, the list of complications in this form is incomplete.
The basic procedures of Zoom treatment and the advantages and disadvantages, risks, and known possible complications of alternative treatments have been explained to me by my dentist and my dentist has answered all my questions to my satisfaction.