As healthcare practitioners, our priority is your overall health and well-being, not just your smile. We focus on prevention and minimally invasive treatments and will always recommend the most conservative option suitable for your needs.In some cases, cosmetic, surgical, or restorative treatments may be appropriate to improve the appearance, strength, or function of your teeth.
While these treatments can offer positive outcomes, they are not without risks.Below is a summary of potential risks and side effects associated with specific dental treatment. Undergoing any type of treatment is a serious decision that should be considered carefully.
This information is intended to support a fully informed decision about your care. Specific risks and suitability will be discussed with a registered dental practitioner during your consultation. Potential risks include (but are not limited to):
Traditional implants typically replace one or a few teeth, with each implant placed where a tooth is missing. All-on implants replace a full set of upper or lower teeth using 4–6 implants that support a full arch of teeth.
At Anew Smile™, dentists experienced in surgical procedures take meticulous care in planning each case, using 3D technology to help guide the treatment approach and minimise potential risks. However, some inherent risks remain with any surgical procedure that you should be aware of.
Before your surgical procedure, you may need to adjust or stop certain daily habits, such as smoking. In some cases, these changes need to be made well in advance to ensure your dental condition is stable before the procedure. To help preserve your treatment outcomes, long-term changes to your diet and habits may also be recommended. The specifics will vary between individuals, and your dentist will discuss what applies to your situation.
Important Information
In conjunction with your implant or All-on treatment, additional procedures such as adding bone (bone graft) or creating more space in the upper jaw (sinus lift) so the implant can be placed securely may be recommended. These treatments carry their own individual risks. For more information about the gum augmentation or bone grafting procedure, click here.
Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.
Generally, treatment is completed over 3 to 6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. You may need to adjust your normal daily activities for the first few days. Depending on your treatment and how your body responds, you might also need to take some additional time off to rest and recover.
Healing and recovery times vary between individuals due to biological factors unique to you. Typically, full recovery and settling occur within two weeks after the procedure.
Ongoing maintenance and care of your implants and prosthesis is crucial. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.
Surgical Risks
* The surgical procedure itself carries surgical risks, especially when operating in proximity to vital structures.
Upper Jaw:
* In the upper jaw, implants are often placed in poorer-quality bone and in close proximity to the sinuses.
* Possible complications include bone fracture, insufficient implant stability, or accidental entry or puncture of the sinus.
* These may require additional immediate or future procedures at additional costs.
Lower Jaw:
* In the lower jaw, implants are often placed in proximity to nerves that give sensation to the lip, chin, and tongue.
* Surgical intrusion or post-operative swelling may impinge upon nerves and result in altered or lost sensation to the lip, chin, and/or part of the tongue
* Such complications are rare and, should they occur, are most likely to be temporary, but there is a slight chance of prolonged or permanent complications.
Post-Surgical Risks
* Sometimes, the stability of the planned implants in the remaining jawbone is unpredictable.If the implants do not possess sufficient stability, we may not be able to immediately load your implants with the prosthesis (bridge/crown).
* In this scenario, we may have to revert to using a temporary removable appliance for healing period instead of having a fixed temporary prosthesis.
* The implants themselves are regarded as being fixed once successfully integrated into the bone and in favourable conditionsOccasionally implants fail.
* An implant is considered to have failed when it does not solidly bond (or integrate) with the bone or becomes detached from the bone this can happen due to biological failure that cannot be predicted.
* Patients may not be aware of a failed implant and it is therefore crucial to have your implants monitored by your dentist with regular 4–6 monthly checkups.
* A failed implant needs to be removed and replaced.In cases where there is an inadequate volume of bone to replace the implant, additional procedures may be necessary.
Recovery and what to expect post-surgery
* Swelling can be normal after your surgery and can be associated with discomfort or pain that can usually be managed pain medication and are usually transient. Swelling typically does not reach its peak until day 4. The swelling and bruising should start decreasing after day 4 but please note each individual’s recovery period is different
* Bleeding will occur following surgery and it is NOT uncommon to bleed for 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
* Pain and discomfort are expected following surgery and may be experienced for a couple of weeks. It is important you are taking your prescribed medication as per the recommendation, to help ease your pain and discomfort. Every patient has a different level of pain threshold and will need to be managed accordingly.
* In most cases you may perform your regular daily activities avoiding strenuous activity of any type for 24-48 hours as this may cause the wound to bleed and increase swelling. Sporting activities or going to the gym are best avoided for up to 10 days.
* You may possibly feel tired and weak during the first 12 – 24 hours, this is not uncommon and rest is often the best cure.
* Smoking is absolutely detrimental to the healing process and may cause the entire treatment to fail or you may develop an infection or other complications.You may eat and drink following the procedure. We recommend eating cold and soft foodsYou may need to take time off work or other regular activities to allow for recovery. It is advisable to have someone available to assist you during this period, particularly if your procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The specific risks related to anaesthesia will be discussed with you by your dentist and the anaesthetist.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 1800 667 246, we would love to help!
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