INFORMED CONSENT FOR ENDODONTIC TREATMENT
The goal of root canal treatment is to save a tooth that might
otherwise require extraction. Although root canal treatment has a
very high success rate, as with all medical and dental procedures,
it is a procedure whose results cannot be guaranteed. Further, root
canal treatment is performed to correct an apparent problem and
occasionally an unapparent, undiagnosed or hidden problem arises.
This procedure will not prevent future tooth decay, tooth fracture
or gum disease, and occasionally a tooth that has had root canal
treatment may require re-treatment, endodontic surgery, or tooth
extraction.
RISKS: Are unlikely, but may occur. They might include but are not
limited to:
Instrument separation in the canal.
Perforations (extra openings) of the canal with
instruments.
Blocked root canals that cannot be ideally completed.
Incomplete healing.
Post-operative infection requiring additional treatment or
the use of antibiotics.
Tooth and/or root fracture that may require extraction.
Fracture, chipping, or loosening of existing tooth or
crown.
Post-treatment discomfort.
Temporary or permanent numbness.
Change in the bite or jaw joint difficulty (TMJ problems or
TMD).
Medical problems may occur if I do not have the root canal
completed.
Reactions to anesthetics, chemicals or medications.
Other Treatment Choices: The following other treatment options
might be possible:
No Treatment at all.
Waiting for more definitive development of symptoms.
Extraction: To be replaced with nothing, a denture, a bridge
or an implant.
After the completion of the root canal procedure, a temp or
permanent restoration will be placed. Failure to have the tooth
properly restored in a timely manner (generally within 30 days)
significantly increases the possibility of failure of the root
canal procedure or tooth fracture. A full coverage crown is
standard of care to protect the tooth.
