I have been advised of and understand that treatment of dental conditions requiring crowns and/or fixed bridgework, involves certain risks and possible unsuccessful results, including the possibility of failure.
Even when care and diligence are exercised in the treatment of conditions requiring crowns and bridgework and fabrication of the same, there are no promises or guarantees of anticipated results or the length of time the crown and/or fixed bridgework will last.
I agree to assume the risks associated with crowns and/or fixed bridgework, which include but are not limited to the following:
Risks and Complications:
1. Reduction of tooth structure
To replace decayed or otherwise traumatized teeth, it is necessary to modify the existing tooth or teeth so that crowns (caps) and/or bridges may be placed upon them. Tooth preparation will be done as conservatively as practical, but I understand that normally at least some of my existing tooth structure will be removed.
2. Numbness following the use of anesthesia
In the preparation of teeth for crowns or bridges, anesthetics are usually needed. As a result of the injection or use of anesthesia, at times there may be swelling, jaw muscle tenderness, or even a resultant numbness of the tongue, lips, teeth, jaws, and/or facial tissues that are usually temporary; in rare instances, such numbness may be permanent.
3. Sensitivity of teeth
Often, after the preparation of teeth for the reception of either crowns or bridges, the teeth may exhibit mild to severe sensitivity. This sensitivity may last only for a short period or for a much more extended period. If it is persistent, notify us so that we can determine the cause of the sensitivity and seek to treat that condition.
4. Crown or bridge abutment teeth may require root canal treatment
After being crowned, teeth may develop a condition known as pulpitis or pulpal degeneration. The tooth or teeth may have been traumatized from an accident, deep decay, extensive preparation for the crown or bridge, or other causes. It may be necessary to do root canal treatments on the affected teeth. If teeth remain sensitive for long periods following crowning, root canal treatment may be necessary. Infrequently, the tooth or teeth may abscess or otherwise not heal, which may require root canal treatment, root surgery, or possibly an extraction.
5. Breakage
Crowns and bridges may chip or break. Many factors can contribute to this situation, including chewing excessively hard materials, change in biting forces, traumatic blows to the mouth, etc. Undetectable cracks may develop in crowns from these causes, but the crowns/bridges themselves may not break until some time later. Breakage or chipping because of defective materials or construction is somewhat uncommon. If it does occur, it usually occurs soon after placement.
6. Uncomfortable or strange feeling
Crowns and bridges are artificial and therefore feel different from natural teeth. Most patients become accustomed to this feeling over time. In limited situations, muscle soreness or tenderness of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — jaw joint — may persist for indeterminable periods, following prosthesis placement.
7. Aesthetics or appearance
Patients will be allowed to observe the appearance of crowns or bridges in place, prior to final cementation. While satisfactory, this fact is usually acknowledged by an entry into the patient’s chart, initialed by the patient.
8. Longevity of crowns and bridges
Many variables determine how long crowns and bridges can be expected to last. Among these are some of the factors mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, including the general health of the patient, oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and diet. As a result, no guarantees can be made or assumed to be made regarding the longevity of the crowns or bridges.
It is a patient’s responsibility to seek attention from the dentist should any undue or unexpected problems occur. The patient must diligently follow all instructions, including the scheduling of and attendance at all appointments. Failure to keep the cementation appointment can result in the ultimate failure of the crown/bridge to fit properly, and an additional fee may be assessed.