DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE: After anesthetics have numbed the area to be operated, extraction will be accomplished by either the removal of the tooth/teeth or by surgical reflection of gum, possible removal of some bone around the tooth/teeth, and possible sectioning of tooth roots to facilitate removal of the tooth/teeth. After the extraction, tooth socket(s) (hole in jawbone left by tooth removal) will be inspected, possibly cleansed of debris or infected soft tissue, and when indicated, this soft tissue may be submitted for histological examination to determine if pathology was present. Finally, the gum and socket or gum tissue may be sutured, and measures will be taken to reduce bleeding from the extracted area(s) after this procedure.
RISKS RELATED TO THE SUGGESTED TREATMENT: Risks related to tooth removal surgery might include, but are not limited to, post-surgical infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, infection, facial discoloration, transient but on occasion permanent numbness of the lip, teeth, chin, or gum, jaw joint injuries or associated muscle spasms, fracture of the tooth/teeth during surgery, retention of part of a root or roots, dislodging of a tooth or part of a tooth into the upper jaw sinus, swallowing of a tooth or fragments of a tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold or sweets or acidic foods, or shrinkage of the gum upon healing. Risks related to the anesthetics might include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, accidental swallowing/aspiration of foreign matter, facial swelling or bruising, pain, soreness, or discoloration at the site of injection of the anesthetics.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE SUGGESTED TREATMENT MAY INCLUDE:
1. No treatment, with the expectation of the advancement of my condition resulting in greater risk or complications including, but not limited to, bone loss, pain, infection, and possible damage to the support of adjacent teeth.
2. Root canal treatment, with the expectation that this may not eliminate infection in the area, or that I may still lose the tooth soon.
3. Restoration (filling or cap) of this tooth/ these teeth with the expectation that it/they may be lost soon.