Diagnosis. After a careful oral examination and study of my dental condition, my periodontist has advised me that I have periodontal disease. I understand that periodontal disease weakens support of my teeth by separating the gum from the teeth and possibly destroying some of the bone that supports the tooth roots. The pockets caused by this separation allow for greater accumulation of bacteria under the gum in hard to clean areas and can result in further erosion or loss of bone and gum supporting the roots of my teeth. If untreated, periodontal disease can cause me to lose my teeth and can have other adverse consequences to my health.
Recommended Treatment. In order to treat this condition, my periodontist has recommended that my treatment include periodontal surgery. I understand that sedation may be utilized and that a local anesthetic will be administered to me as part of the treatment. I further understand that antibiotics and other substances may be applied to the roots of my teeth.
During this procedure, my gum will be opened to permit better access to the roots and to the eroded bone. Inflamed and infected gum tissue will be removed, and the root surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned. Bone irregularities may be reshaped and bone regenerative material may be placed around my teeth. My gum will then be sutured back into position, and a periodontal bandage or dressing may be placed.
I further understand that unforeseen conditions may call for modification or change from the anticipated surgical plan. These may include, but are not limited to, (1) extraction of hopeless teeth to enhance healing of adjacent teeth, (2) the removal of a hopeless root of a multi-rooted tooth to preserve the tooth, or (3) termination of the procedure prior to completion of all the surgery originally outlined.
Expected Benefits. The purpose of periodontal surgery is to reduce infection and inflammation and to restore my gum and bone to the extent possible. The surgery is intended to help me keep my teeth in the operated areas and to make my oral hygiene more effective. It should also enable professionals to better clean my teeth.
Principal Risks and Complications. I understand that a small number of patients do not respond successfully to periodontal surgery, and in such cases, the involved teeth may eventually be lost. Periodontal surgery may not be successful in preserving function or appearance. Because each patient’s condition is unique, long-term success may not occur.
I understand that complications may result from the periodontal surgery, drugs, or anesthetics. These complications include, but are not limited to post-surgical infection, bleeding, swelling and pain, facial discoloration, transient but on occasion permanent numbness of the jaw. Lip, tongue, teeth, chin or gum, jaw joint injuries or associated muscle spasm, transient but on occasion permanent increased tooth looseness, tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods, shrinkage of the gum upon healing resulting in elongation of some teeth and greater spaces between some teeth, cracking or bruising of the corners of the mouth, restricted ability to open the mouth for several days or weeks, impact on speech, allergic reactions, and accidental swallowing of foreign matter. The exact duration of any complications cannot be determined, and they may be irreversible.