Patient guide — Download this guide
Extraction of teeth is an irreversible process and whether routine or difficult is a surgical procedure. As in any surgery, there are some risks. They include, but are not limited to:
- Swelling and or bruising and discomfort in the surgery area.
- Stretching of the corners of the mouth resulting in cracking and bruising.
- Possible infection requiring further treatment.
- The healing process may vary; no guarantees can be made.
- You will receive a local anesthetic and/or other medications which carry risks, side effects, and drug interactions.
- Dry socket – jaw pain beginning a few days after surgery, usually requiring additional care, it is more common from lower extractions, especially wisdom teeth.
- Possible damage to adjacent teeth, especially those with large fillings or caps.
- Numbness or altered sedation in the teeth, lip, tongue and chin, due to the closeness of tooth roots (especially wisdom teeth) to the nerves which can be bruised or injured. Sensation most often returns to normal, but in rare cases, the loss may be permanent.
- Trismus – limited jaw opening due to inflammation or swelling, most common after wisdom tooth removal. Sometimes it is the result of jaw joint discomfort (TMJ), especially when TMJ disease and symptoms already exist.
- Bleeding- significant bleeding is not common, but persistent oozing can be expected for several hours.
- Sharp ridges or bone splinters may form later at the edge of the socket. These may require another surgery to smooth or remove them.
- Incomplete removal of tooth fragments – to avoid injury to vital structures such as nerves or sinuses, sometimes small root tips may be left in place. Sinus involvement: The roots of upper back teeth are often close to the sinus and sometimes a piece of root can be displaced into the sinus, or an opening may occur into the mouth which may require additional care.
- Jaw fracture – while quite rare, it is possible in difficult or deeply impacted teeth.
- If the upper teeth are close to the sinuses, removal may cause a hole between the mouth and the sinus. This may need further surgery.
- Once the tooth is extracted, replacement of the missing teeth may be necessary to prevent the drifting of adjacent and/or opposing teeth to maintain function, or for cosmetic appearances.
- If unexpected difficulties occur during treatment, you may be referred to an oral surgeon, who is a specialist in dental surgery.
- Extraction may cause a fracture in the surrounding bone, or occasionally, the tooth to be extracted may be fused to the surrounding bone, causing the surgical procedure to become more complex and more costly.
- Females Only: Antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Therefore, I understand that I will need to use some additional form of birth control for one complete cycle besides just birth control pills after a course of antibiotics is completed.
Most procedures are routine and serious complications are not expected. Those, which do occur, are most often minor and can be treated.
I have read and understand the above, and had my questions answered. I give my consent to surgery.
Options following extraction to replace missing teeth are as follows:
- Denture
- Bridge (where appropriate teeth are present)
- Implant restoration