Extended Informed Consent

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is irreversible. Known complications include:

• Dry socket (Alveolar Osteitis) — pain developing 3–5 days post-extraction requiring dressing and review. Occurs in ~3–5% of routine extractions and up to 20% of lower wisdom tooth cases.
• Post-operative swelling, bruising, and restricted mouth opening — typically resolving within 5–7 days.
• Nerve paraesthesia — temporary or rarely permanent altered sensation in the lip, chin, or tongue, due to proximity of the inferior alveolar or lingual nerve.
• Oro-antral communication — possible opening between mouth and sinus for upper molar extractions. Surgical closure may be required.
• Retained root tip — may be left intentionally if removal poses greater risk than retention, with clinical documentation.
• Fracture of adjacent restorations — due to instrumentation near neighbouring teeth.

Root Canal Treatment (RCT / Endodontic Therapy)

• RCT does not guarantee permanent tooth retention. Success rates are approximately 85–95% at 10 years depending on pre-existing infection and root anatomy.
• Instrument separation (file fracture) within the canal may occur. Depending on the location and clinical situation, the fragment may be left in situ, surgically retrieved via apicoectomy, or — in cases where the fragment compromises the seal or leads to persistent infection — extraction of the tooth may become necessary.
• Root perforation — inadvertent communication with surrounding bone, which may require additional procedures or in rare cases extraction.
• Flare-up — acute exacerbation of pain or swelling between visits, occurring in approximately 10–20% of cases. This is a recognised biological response, not an error.
• Post-treatment sensitivity may persist for several weeks and is not clinically abnormal.
• Crown placement is strongly recommended after RCT to prevent tooth fracture. The clinic is not responsible for fracture if a crown was declined following completed treatment.

Dental Crown & Fixed Prosthesis (Bridge)

• Crown preparation involves irreversible reduction of natural tooth structure.
• Temporary crowns may occasionally debond — contact the clinic promptly to prevent sensitivity or tooth shifting.
• Final crown shade, translucency, and contour may vary slightly from adjacent natural teeth due to inherent material limitations.
• The prepared tooth may develop pulpal symptoms post-crown, necessitating RCT even after successful crown placement.
• Crown warranty is governed by our Refund Policy & Warranties page. Failure due to fracture, periodontal disease, trauma, bruxism, or patient non-compliance voids warranty.

Dental Implants

• Osseointegration failure — the implant may not bond with bone. Risk increases with uncontrolled diabetes, active smoking, osteoporosis, and poor bone quality.
• Nerve proximity — altered sensation in lower lip, chin, or tongue following lower jaw implant placement.
• Sinus involvement for upper jaw implants may require a sinus lift at additional cost.
• A healing period of 3–6 months is required before prosthetic loading.
• Peri-implantitis (long-term infection around the implant) is a known risk requiring ongoing maintenance at recall visits.
• Warranty covers the prosthetic crown only — not the implant fixture itself.

Orthodontic Treatment (Braces & Aligners)

• Treatment duration is an estimate; individual biological response varies.
• Enamel demineralisation and white spot lesions may occur with inadequate oral hygiene during treatment.
• Minor root resorption is a recognised risk of orthodontic tooth movement.
• Post-treatment relapse occurs if prescribed retainers are not worn consistently. Retainer compliance is entirely the patient's responsibility.
• Emergency bracket or wire repairs between scheduled visits may attract additional charges.

Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

• Scaling and root planing may cause temporary sensitivity, apparent gum recession, and tooth elongation as swelling resolves — this is expected and not a complication.
• Periodontal disease is a chronic condition. Maintenance recall every 3–6 months is essential to preserve outcomes.
• Bone loss from periodontal disease can spread to adjacent teeth, potentially necessitating RCT or extraction of those teeth. This natural disease progression is not clinical negligence.

Teeth Whitening

• Results vary based on the type of discolouration. Intrinsic stains (tetracycline, fluorosis) respond poorly to whitening procedures.
• Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are common but temporary side effects.
• Existing crowns, veneers, and composite fillings will not whiten and may need replacement to match the new shade — at additional cost.
• Whitening results are not permanent; maintenance is at the patient's expense.

Laser & Photochemical Procedures

Certain procedures at Smile Dental Care may involve dental lasers, photodynamic dyes, or light-activated materials for enhanced clinical outcomes.

• These are standard adjunctive techniques in modern dentistry and are generally safe.
• Minor risks include temporary tissue sensitivity, mild discomfort, transient colour change, or unpredictable tissue response.
• Protective measures such as eye shields are provided wherever applicable.
• The attending dentist will inform you if such devices or dyes are being used in your treatment.