Teeth Extraction Consent Information

The consent form includes but is not limited to the following risks:

Common risks and complications:

  • pain, bruising and swelling post procedure

  • infection

  • changes to the gum appearance and contour

Uncommon risks and complications:

  • dry socket may occur with a disruption of the blood clot and then infection in the hole left after the tooth is removed; this may cause pain and discomfort and delayed healing

  • bleeding can occur; bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs

  • post procedure, biting of a numb lip which may cause damage after the teeth have been removed

  • nerve damage causing pain or a tingling sensation and numbness in the lips, chin, teeth, gums and tongue; this is usually temporary, but can be permanent in some cases

  • bone and tooth root fragments left in the gum/jaw

  • damage to nearby teeth

  • if the upper teeth are close to the sinus, removal may cause a communication between the mouth and the sinus; this may need further surgery

  • potential short or longer term worsening of temporo-mandibular joint symptoms

Rare risks and complications:

  • jaw weakness; very rarely leading to jaw fracture during the procedure or during the healing period

  • aspiration (going into the airway/lungs) of tooth/bone fragments/crowns/foreign body as this is a shared airway procedure (procedure occurring near your airway)

  • very rarely jaw necrosis (the jaw bone dying) if you are taking certain medications (e.g.Bisphosphonates, Prolia) to prevent or slow down osteoporosis, or if you are receiving radiation to the head and/or neck

If you are having your procedure under a general anaesthetic, there will be specific risks of this, which will be discussed by your anaesthetist.