Consent For Crown Lengthening Surgery

Diagnosis: You have been diagnosed with inadequate tooth length. Your dentist has determined that a crown lengthening procedure should be performed prior to crown placement to insure a proper fit or for esthetics. This procedure is required due to one or more of the following: tooth fracture below the gum line, excessive decay, root decay, or excessive gum tissue.

Recommended Treatment: Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure performed on teeth prior to crown or veneer placement or for esthetics. I understand that sedation may be utilized and that a local anesthetic will be administered to me as a part of treatment. Your periodontist will create space around the tooth/teeth by removing small amounts of gum tissue, bone or a combination of both. Expected Benefits: The purpose of this procedure is to create space around the gum line of the tooth/teeth to allow the placement of a crown(s) or bridge with an adequate fit, to provide adequate “biologic width” and/or to improve esthetics of a “gummy” smile. There will be approximately 6-8 weeks of healing time after this procedure before your restorative work begins.

As in any oral surgical procedure, there are some risks of post-operative complications. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Swelling, bleeding, bruising or discomfort in the surgical area.
• Post-operative infection requiring additional treatment or medication.
• Tooth sensitivity, tooth mobility (looseness) or tooth pain.
• Gum recession/shrinkage creating open spaces between the teeth and making teeth appear longer.
• Unaesthetic exposure of crown (cap) margins.
• Food lodging between the teeth after meals, requiring cleaning devices (e.g. floss) for removal
• Numbness or altered sensations in the teeth, gums, lip, tongue or chin, around the surgical area following the procedure. Almost always the sensation returns to normal, but in rare cases, the loss may be permanent.
• Limited jaw opening due to the inflammation or swelling. Sometimes it is a result of jaw joint discomfort (TMJ), especially when TMJ disease already exists.
• Stretching of the corners of the mouth resulting in cracking or bruising.
• Damage to adjacent teeth, especially those with large fillings, crowns or bridges. Alternative Treatment Options:
• No treatment or Tooth extraction (removal)

I hereby certify that I clearly comprehend the nature, purpose, benefits, risks and alternatives to (including no treatment), the proposed procedure(s). I have been given the opportunity to ask questions and they have been answered to my complete satisfaction.

I authorize photos, slides, x-rays or any other viewing of my care and treatment during or after its completion to be used for advancement of dentistry and for reimbursement purposes. However, my identity will not be revealed to the general public without my permission.

I have read and understand the above.