TREATMENT OF TEETH:
INFORMED CONSENT FOR CROWNS AND BRIDGES
DESCRIPTION
Crowns are dental restoration that covers the outer portion of the tooth while protecting the underlying tooth structure. They can be made of several materials depending on the need for strength, esthetics, and abrasion resistance. Some are made of gold and others are made of tooth colored materials to maintain a natural appearance. The material prescribed for your crown will be determined by your specific needs.
Bridges are cemented dental prostheses that appear to be individual teeth but are in fact multiple teeth made from a single piece that connects to the teeth on either side of an edentulous (toothless) space.
BENEFITS, RISKS, AND ALTERNATIVES TO CROWNS OR BRIDGES
Benefits:
Crowns can save a tooth that might otherwise be lost due to extensive decay or cracking. Crowns allow a tooth to be restored to a natural appearance and in many cases improve the appearance of discolored or chipped teeth. Bridges allow you to chew normally and maintain a relatively natural appearance when you have lost one or more teeth.
Risks and Inconveniences:
The risks associated with crowns and bridges include but are not limited to
Fracture of porcelain that requires replacement of the restoration.
The possibility that the nerve of the tooth will be irritated or involved and will require indirect or direct pulp cap or root canal therapy.
Irritation of the gums around the tooth/teeth.
Increased need for meticulous home care and plaque control
Increased difficulty in flossing
The possibility of the crown or bridge becoming dislodged when eating sticky foods.
The need to eventually replace crowns
There is possibility of injury to the nerves of the lips, jaw, teeth, tongue, or any oral or facial tissues from any dental treatment, particularity those involving the administration of local anesthetics. The resulting numbness which may occur is usually temporary, but in rare instances could be permanent.
Effort will be made to match your natural tooth color. However, due to the fact that there are factors which affect the shades of teeth; it may not be possible to exactly match the tooth coloration.
Alternatives to Crowns and Bridges
No treatment-Choosing to leave the teeth just as they are.
Extraction of the damaged teeth with no restoration of the missing tooth
Large fillings- These often fail early if a tooth was compromised enough to warrant crown placement
Implant supported restorations rather than placing bridges. This option often eliminates the need to prepare teeth for crowns that do not otherwise need crowns.
Partial denture that will be removable prosthesis
I understand that it is my responsibility to notify this office should any undue or unexpected problems occur or if I experience any problems relating to the treatment rendering or the services performed.
Consent
The benefits and risks of crown and bridges have been explained to me, and I hereby request and authorize Dr. Williamson and her staff to provide crown and bridge treatment.
Patient's Printed Name:
Date:
Patient or Guardian Signature
Date:
Witness
Date:
Dr. Karen Williamson
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Date:
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