Consent for Dental Implant Surgery

Stateline Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, PC  

Note to patients:  this is a synopsis of the consent form used in our office.  The actual form may differ in small details from this text.  The doctor will review the risks and benefits associated with this surgery before you are given the opportunity to sign the actual consent form.    If you have any questions, please ask the doctor before signing.

You have the right to be given information about your proposed implant placement so that you are able to make the decision as to whether to proceed with surgery.  What you are being asked to sign is your acknowledgment that you fully understand the nature of the proposed treatment, the known risks associated with it, and the possible alternative treatments.

The purpose (goal) of today’s surgery is to place the following implants:

I understand that dental implants may be placed by either a one-stage technique or two-stage technique.  One stage means the implant will be surgically positioned with a portion of the implant protruding through your gum tissue at the completion of surgery. Two-stage surgery requires one surgery to place the implant, followed by a healing time, then a second surgery to uncover the implant and place a healing cap that protrudes through the gum tissue.  Both the one-stage and two-stage implant placement techniques usually require a healing period before your restorative dentist will be able to place a dental restoration.  Your surgeon and restorative dentist will utilize the technique that is best suited for your condition.

In certain unusual circumstances, and with very specific criteria, your surgeon and restoring dentist may elect to restore some or all of the implants immediately or shortly after the placement procedure.  This technique is called “Immediate Load” and it carries some increased concerns about bone and implant healing.

In certain cases, the surgery may involve additional materials and procedures (grafting with bone or artificial bone substitutes, use of healing membranes and associated fixation devices, impressions or indexing the implants, etc.).   The need for those procedures may not be apparent until after the surgery has begun.

The pros and cons of possible alternative methods (if any) of replacing my missing teeth have been explained to me, including:

• No treatment
• Altering an existing prosthesis
• Fabricating a new prosthesis (crown, bridge or partial / complete denture



I understand that incisions will be made inside my mouth for the purpose of placing one or more root-form structures (dental implants) in my jaw to serve as anchors to replace a missing tooth or teeth, upon which a crown (cap), bridge or denture will be secured.  I acknowledge that the procedure has been explained to my full understanding, including the number and location of incisions and the type of implant(s) that will be used.

I understand that the dental restoration (such as crown, bridge or denture) will be made and placed by Dr. _______________________________, and that a separate charge for such services will be made by that office. That office will be responsible for your continued dental care including the  monitoring of those restorations in the future.  

I understand that if a two-stage procedure is planned, the implant will probably remain covered by gum tissue for the initial healing period, and that a second surgical procedure will be required to uncover the top of the implant to prepare for dental restoration.  (In a one-stage procedure, the implant will usually remain accessible.)

The possible risks and complications of Dental Implant Surgery include, but are not limited to:

- Post-operative discomfort and swelling that may require several days of at-home recuperation.

- Prolonged or heavy bleeding that may require additional treatment.

- Damage to adjacent teeth or roots of adjacent teeth.

- Post-operative infection that may require additional treatment.

- Stretching of the corners of the mouth that may cause cracking and bruising, and may heal slowly.

- Restricted mouth opening for several days; sometimes related to swelling and muscle soreness and sometimes related to stress on the jaw joints (TMJ).

- Injury to nerve branches in the jaw or soft tissue resulting in tingling, numbness, or pain in the chin, lips, cheek, gums, tongue (including possible loss of taste sensation) or teeth on the

- Opening into the sinus (a normal hollow chamber in the bone above the roots of back upper teeth) requiring additional treatment.  If the sinus is entered there may be symptoms of sinusitis for several weeks that may require certain medications and additional recovery time.

- Fracture of the jaw or of thin bony plates.

- Bone loss around the implants.

- Certain other fixation devices may be used (screws, plates, membranes, etc.) that may either stay in place permanently or require later removal by another surgery.  There may be unexpected exposure of these devices through the gum, causing their premature loss or removal, and possible loss of the implant.

- Implant or prosthesis failure.  Rarely, the implant or parts of the structure holding the replacement tooth, or the replacement tooth itself, may fail due to chewing stresses. 

- Rejection of the implant by natural body defenses. (If the implant is lost, it is usually possible to replace it in a later surgery after the bony defect has healed or been bone grafted to achieve adequate bone volume for another implant placement procedure)

 

It has been explained to me that during the course of surgery unforeseen conditions may be revealed that will necessitate extension of the original procedure or a different procedure from that which was planned (for example, changing from a one-stage to a two-stage process, use of bone grafting techniques involving substitute material or locally available bone particles, etc.).  I give my permission for such additional procedures that may be indicated in my doctor’s professional judgment.  No guarantee can be or has been given that the implants will last for a specific time period.  It is anticipated that the proposed treatment will offer measurable relief for my condition, or otherwise enhance my dental health.  Nonetheless, it is not possible to predict the absolute certainly of success.  i hereby acknowledge that no guarantee, warranty or assurance has been given to me that the porposed surgery will be completely successful in eliminating all pre-treatment symptoms or complaints.  I acknowledge that there is the risk of failure, relapse, selective retreatment, or worsening of my present condition, despite efforts at optimal care.

 

I understand that once the implant is inserted, the entire treatment plan must be followed and completed on schedule.  If the planned schedule is not carried out, the implant(s) may fail.

I understand that my doctor is not a seller of the implant device itself and makes no warranty or guarantee regarding success or failure of the implant or its attachments used in this procedure.

Anesthesia

The anesthesia I have chosen for my surgery is:

•                     Local anesthesia
•                     Local anesthesia with Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen
•                     Local anesthesia with Oral Sedation
•                     Local Anesthesia with Conscious Sedation
•                     Local Anesthesia with General Anesthesia / Deep Sedation

Anesthetic Risks include: discomfort, swelling, bruising, infection, prolonged numbness and allergic reactions.  There may be inflammation at the site of an intravenous injection (phlebitis) that may cause prolonged discomfort and/or disability, and may require special care.  Nausea and vomiting, although rare, may be a side effect of IV anesthesia.  Intravenous sedation and/or anesthesia is a serious procedure and, although considered safe, carries with it the risk of serious medical complications.

 

Your Obligation if IV Anesthesia is used:

- Because anesthetic medications cause prolonged drowsiness, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you until you are recovered sufficiently to care for yourself.  This may be up to 24 hours.

- During recovery time (24 hours) you should not drive, exercise, or operate devices that may harm you, or make important decisions that demand full comprehension

- You must not eat any solid food for at least 6 hours prior to surgery.  Clear fluids, such as water and apple juice may be consumed in small quantities up to 2 hours prior to surgery.  No food or fluid may be taken from the time 2 hours prior to surgery until surgery.

It is important that you take any regular medications or any medications provided by this office at the usual time.  These medications can be taken with a small amount of clear fluid.

 

I understand tobacco use is detrimental to the success of implant surgery.  I agree to cease all use of tobacco for 2-3 weeks prior to and after surgery, including the later uncovering procedure, and to make strong efforts to give up smoking entirely.

 

Consent

My signature below signifies that all questions regarding this consent have been answered to my satisfaction, and I fully understand the risks involved with the proposed procedures and anesthetic.  I certify that I read, write, and understand English.  I hereby give my consent for the planned surgery.