It is the belief of this office that you should be informed about the treatment (therapy) and that you should give your consent before starting that treatment. The purpose of this form is to tell you of the risks that may occur in the endodontic (root canal) treatment, and other treatment choices.
Root canal therapy is done in order to retain a tooth (or teeth) which otherwise might need to be removed. Related dental surgery is done when needed.
Risks of treatment are two kinds: those risks involved in general procedures, and those specific to endodontic treatment.
RISKS OF DENTAL PROCEDURES IN GENERAL: Included (but not limited to) are complications resulting from the use of dental instruments, drugs, sedation, medicines, analgesics (pain killers) anesthetic and injections. These complications include pain, infection, swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, numbness and tingling sensation in the lip, tongue, chin, gums, cheeks and teeth, thrombophlebitis spasms, (jaw) joint difficulty, loosening of teeth or restoration in teeth, injury to other tissues, referred pain to the ear, neck and head, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, itching, bruises, delayed healing, sinus complications, and further surgery. Medication and drugs may cause drowsiness and lack of awareness and coordination (which can be influenced by the use of alcohol or other drugs), thus it is advisable not to operate any vehicle or hazardous device, or work for twenty-four hours or until recovered from their effects.
RISKS MORE SPECIFIC TO ENDODONTIC THERAPY: These risks include instruments broken within the root canals, perforations (extra openings) of the crown or root of the tooth, damage to bridges, existing fillings, crowns and porcelain veneers, loss of tooth structure in gaining access to canals, and cracked teeth. During treatment, complications may be discovered which make treatment impossible or which may require dental surgery. These complications may include: blocked canals due to fillings, prior treatment, natural calcification, broken instruments, curved roots, periodontal disease (gum disease/pyorrhea), splits or fractures of the teeth.
THE OTHER TREATMENT CHOICES INCLUDE: No treatment, waiting for more definite development of symptoms, having the tooth removed. Risks involved in these choices might include pain, swelling, loss of tooth, and infections to other areas. Treatment will be done in a manner to minimize or avoid the risks as success cannot be guaranteed.