Informed Consent for Root Canal 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 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
Extractions: To be replaced with either nothing, a denture, a bridge or an implant.
After the completion of the root canal procedure, permanent restoration is needed (filling, crown, cap). 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.
I have had an opportunity to ask questions for my treating doctor and I am satisfied with the answers that I have received. I consent to the procedure.