Potential Complications As with all dental and medical procedures, “Removable Prosthodontics” is not without risk. Some of the potential complications of this treatment include, but are not limited to: • Failure of full dentures – There are many variables which may contribute to this possibility, such as: o Inability for gum tissues to tolerate pressure – The gum tissues may not be able to bear the pressures placedupon them, resulting in excessive tenderness and sore spots. o Poor support/retention – The jaw ridges may not provide adequate support and/or retention for the full dentures, resulting in dentures that move around or fall out. o Inability to adapt to the denture – The musculature in the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, etc. may not be able to adapt to and be able to accommodate the full denture. o Gag reflex – Some individuals may have a particularly strong gag reflex which is elicited by the full denture, making the denture unwearable. o Excessive saliva/dryness – The presence of a foreign object in the mouth (the full denture) may cause excessive salivation, which may not be tolerated by the patient. Alternatively, if the mouth is extremely dry, there may not enough lubrication to allow good suction and comfortable wear of the full denture. o General psychological and/or physical problems – The patient may have general psychological and/or physical reasons for not being able to wear the denture. • Failure of partial dentures – Many variable may contribute to unsuccessful utilising of partial dentures. The variables may include those problem related to the failure of full dentures, in addition to: o Problems with natural teeth – The natural teeth to which the partial dentures are anchored (called abutment teeth) may become tender, sore, and/or mobile. The abutment teeth may decay or erode around the clasps or attachments. o Problems with gums and soft tissues – The tissues supporting the abutment teeth, such as the gums and soft tissues, may become inflamed, overgrown and even develop infections. • Breakage – Due to the types of materials which are necessary in the construction of these appliances, breakage may occur even though the materials used were not defective. Factors which may contribute to breakage include: o Chewing on foods or objects which are excessively hard; o Gum tissue shrinkage which causes excessive pressures to be exerted unevenly on the dentures; o Cracks which may be unnoticeable and which occurred previously from causes such as those mentioned above; o Dentures having being dropped or damaged previously. • Dentures becoming loose over time – Full dentures normally become looser when there are changes in the supporting gum tissues. Dentures themselves do not change unless subjected to extreme heat or dryness. When dentures become “loose”, relining the dentures may be necessary, which normally incurs a charge. Partial dentures become loose for the listed reasons in addition to clasps or other attachments loosening. • Prosthesis not shaped/smoothed properly – If the edges of the prosthesis are not shaped or smoothed properly, the adjacent teeth or gums may become irritated and/or sore. This can also result in increased plaque retention and increase the risk of secondary decay. • Incorrect bite/fit – If the prosthesis is made to an incorrect bite, this may make the jaw feel like it is in the wrong position. • Discolouration – Exposure to the oral environment may cause either the prosthesis to become discoloured. • Allergic reaction – A rare complication of having a prosthesis is the development of an allergic reaction to the materials (acrylic or metal alloy). Common allergy symptoms as itching or rash may also be present.
Statement of Satisfaction Prior to Processing it is important that the patient inform the dentist of any issues regarding the appearance, fit, bite, comfort, looseness, etc. of the denture before the denture is processed from wax into the final acrylic (and metal) state. Once the denture has been processed, any further modifications to the denture will incur a cost.
Alterative Treatments There are several alternatives. This can include: • No treatment – This means missing teeth are not replaced. • Fixed Prosthodontics (Bridge) – This is a fixed prosthesis that is adhered to the adjacent teeth which requiring to be trimmed down. • Dental Implants - The implantation of a metallic or ceramic post into the jaw bone, on top of which a fixed or removable prosthesis is then attached.
Cost The cost of Removable Prosthodontics is as outlined in the attached treatment plan. A deposit of 20% is required prior to commencement of treatment. Full payment is required on the day of insertion of the removable prosthesis.
• I have read and understand the conditions and information in this Consent Form. • I have discussed the information contained in the Consent Form concerning Removable Prosthodontics with my dentist, and am satisfied with the answers that I have received. • I understand the dentist has a special interest in prosthodontics, but is not a prosthodontist. • To my knowledge, I have given an accurate report of my physical and medical history. • I have had explained to me the cost of the treatment and I accept responsibility for that cost. • I authorise my dentist to provide me with Removable Prosthodontics.
