If any unforeseen conditions should arise in the course of the operation, calling for the doctor's judgement or for procedures in addition to or different from those now contemplated, I further request and authorize the doctor to do whatever he may deem advisable. Further, I have been informed of other possible alternative and/or supplemental methods of treatment, if any.
Fear and Anxiety
Talk to your dentist regarding sedation procedures that are available and how this can make the dental visit a much less traumatic experience.
Pain
Extracting a tooth is a surgical procedure. It is not unusual for a certain amount of discomfort afterwards. This discomfort is usually limited, and your dentist will prescribe the appropriate medication to control the pain.
Infection
The oral cavity is home to millions of bacteria. The body's defence mechanism is designed to control the actions of these bacteria under normal circumstances. When an extra amount of stress such as a difficult extraction or a chronic infected site is near the surgical area then symptomatic infection may occur. Antibiotics will be prescribed when the probability of this occurring is high.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal reaction to surgical procedures. Cold compresses on the affected area will reduce swelling for the first 2 days. From the 3rd day on you may use a warm compress.
Discolouration
This is a normal response during healing and will disappear in a few days. This usually occurs at the angle of the lower jaw.
Stiffness and Limited Opening of the Mouth
The inability to fully open the mouth is not unusual after wisdom tooth removal. This will resolve when healing is complete.
Bleeding
The bleeding will be controlled prior to being discharged from the office. Some red in the saliva is normal and not a concern. Bleeding of concern is a dark red to black clot forming in the mouth or excessive bleeding that fills the mouth. If this occurs, fold two of the pieces of gauze that you have been given and place them over the affected site. Bite with firm, steady pressure on the gauze for 30 minutes. Do not talk, chew or otherwise disturb the site during this time. Do not rinse or spit hard for the first 24 hours after the surgery.
Paresthesia or Numbness
On some occasions there may be transient numbness in the face and jaw after dental extractions. In most cases, this resolves spontaneously in a short while as healing takes place. On rare occasions it lasts longer, or may even be a permanent side effect.
Dry Socket
This is a condition that occurs occasionally after dental extractions. If the surgical site becomes more painful in a few days after the procedure a dry socket may be occurring. Call the office immediately as it should be treated without delay.
Sinus involvement
The roots of the upper molar teeth are located in very close proximity to the floor of the maxillary sinus. On some difficult extractions, there can be communication between the sinus cavity and the mouth. If this occurs, the dentist will take the necessary steps to help with the healing process. There are precautions that the patient must take to promote the tract from closing on its own. These include doing nothing that will cause a difference in pressure between the oral cavity and the sinus, for example, sucking on straws or smoking. On a few occasions, this tract will not heal, but there is a secondary procedure that can be performed at a later date to correct the defect.
Bone Spurs
It is common to have bone spurs following an extraction. They are bone fragments that will work their way to the surface of the gums. They may be sharp and quite irritating. It is not uncommon for a bone spur to surface up to a year or later after the extraction. Please contact our office so our Doctor can assess and remove.
Damage to an Adjacent Tooth
An extraction may cause the dental work on adjacent teeth to become stressed beyond their endurance and may, on occasion, break. A temporary filling may be placed and when you have healed up we will rebook you to get the necessary treatment done.
I have read the above information and understood the possible complications that may arise as a result of dental extraction and surgery.
I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND WORDS WITHIN THE ABOVE CONSENT AND THE EXPLANATION REFERRED TO OR MADE AND THAT ALL BLANKS REQUIRING INSERTION OR COMPLETION WERE FILLED IN. I ALSO STATE THAT I READ AND WRITE IN ENGLISH.