Treatment Risks

About dental treatment risks

All dental and medical procedures carry some degree of risk. This page outlines general risks associated with common dental treatments. Your dentist will discuss risks specific to your individual treatment during your consultation.

General dental treatment risks

All dental procedures may involve one or more of the following risks:

• Pain, discomfort or sensitivity during or after treatment.
• Swelling, bruising or bleeding of the gums and surrounding tissues.
• Infection requiring additional treatment or antibiotics.
• Allergic reactions to medications, materials or anaesthetics.
• Damage to adjacent teeth, existing dental work or oral structures.
• Jaw muscle soreness or temporomandibular joint discomfort.
• Need for additional or alternative treatment.

Anaesthesia and sedation

Local anaesthesia and sedation procedures may involve:

• Temporary numbness of the lips, tongue, cheeks or face.
• Rare prolonged or permanent nerve damage causing altered sensation.
• Bruising or soreness at the injection site.
• Elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
• Allergic reactions to anaesthetic agents.
• Nausea or drowsiness with sedation.

Fillings, root canals and restorations

Fillings, restorative work and root canal therapy may involve tooth sensitivity, deeper decay requiring additional treatment, possible root canal therapy if the tooth nerve is affected, restoration cracking or dislodgement, colour variation, incomplete healing, retreatment or extraction, instrument separation, tooth perforation, tooth discolouration, tooth fracture, or temporary or permanent nerve changes affecting nearby sensation.

Extractions and oral surgery

Tooth extractions and surgical procedures may involve:

• Post-operative pain, swelling and bruising.
• Bleeding that may persist for several hours.
• Dry socket causing severe pain.
• Infection requiring antibiotics or additional treatment.
• Damage to adjacent teeth or dental work.
• Sinus complications for upper teeth.
• Temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation in the tongue, lips, chin or teeth.
• Rare jaw fracture or difficulty opening the mouth.

Dental implants

Dental implant procedures may involve:

• Implant failure to integrate with the bone.
• Infection at the implant site.
• Damage to surrounding teeth, nerves or blood vessels.
• Sinus perforation for upper jaw implants.
• Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling.
• Bone loss around the implant.
• Implant fracture or crown failure.
• Need for bone grafting if insufficient bone is present.

Crowns, bridges, veneers, orthodontics and whitening

Crown, bridge and veneer treatment may involve sensitivity, need for root canal therapy, gum recession, chipping, cracking, dislodgement, colour mismatch or later replacement. Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, may involve discomfort, root resorption, decay or gum disease if hygiene is inadequate, relapse if retainers are not worn, allergic reactions, temporomandibular joint symptoms or bite changes. Teeth whitening may involve temporary sensitivity, gum irritation, uneven whitening, colour relapse, and no effect on existing restorations.

Periodontal treatment

Periodontal or gum treatment may involve gum recession, root exposure, increased sensitivity, tooth mobility, spaces appearing between teeth, need for ongoing maintenance therapy, or possible tooth loss despite treatment.

Special considerations

Some medical conditions, medications and personal factors may increase dental treatment risks. Please tell your dentist if you:

• Have medical conditions, including heart conditions, diabetes, osteoporosis or bleeding disorders.
• Take medications, including blood thinners, bisphosphonates or immunosuppressants.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have allergies to medications or materials.
• Have had previous complications with dental treatment.
• Smoke or use recreational drugs.

Your responsibility

To minimise risks and support the best possible outcome, you should:

• Provide complete and accurate medical and dental history.
• Follow all pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Attend all follow-up appointments.
• Report concerns or complications immediately.
• Avoid smoking, which significantly increases complications.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.

Informed consent

Before treatment proceeds, your dentist will explain your diagnosis and treatment options, discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives specific to your case, answer your questions, and obtain written consent. You have the right to ask questions, seek a second opinion, refuse or discontinue treatment, and request more information at any time.

When to seek immediate care

Contact the practice immediately if you experience:

• Severe or increasing pain not controlled by prescribed medication.
• Excessive bleeding that does not stop.
• Significant swelling, particularly affecting breathing or swallowing.
• Fever or signs of infection.
• Allergic reactions, including rash, difficulty breathing or swelling.
• Numbness or altered sensation that persists beyond expected timeframes.

Important notice

This page provides general information about dental treatment risks. It is not exhaustive, and your dentist will discuss risks relevant to your individual treatment. No dental treatment can be guaranteed to be 100% successful, and outcomes vary between individuals. All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner if you have concerns.

Contact us

Post: Attn: Manager, Shop 1, 4-12 Waverley Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. Phone: (02) 9387 2851. Email: info@boutiquedental.com.au. Last updated: November 2025.