Treatment Risks

Provides general information about potential risks and complications associated with dental and surgical treatments to help patients make informed decisions.
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Toothsome Periodontics, Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

1/56 Neridah St, Chatswood NSW 2067


contact@toothsome.com.au


(02) 9686 8018

 

Effective Date: 26 February 2026

1. Overview

Dental and surgical treatments aim to improve oral health, restore function, and relieve pain. Like all medical procedures, however, they involve inherent risks and possible complications.

This page provides general information about risks associated with treatments commonly performed at Toothsome Periodontics, Dental Implants and Oral Surgery.

The purpose of this information is to help patients understand the nature of dental care and support the process of informed consent.

Specific risks and treatment options will always be discussed individually with your treating clinician before treatment proceeds.

2. Important Note

The information provided on this page is general in nature and does not replace personalised advice provided during consultation.

Every patient’s medical history, oral condition, and healing response are different. Your clinician will explain risks specific to your case before treatment.

Patients are encouraged to ask questions and ensure they fully understand any recommended treatment before proceeding.

3. General Risks Associated With Dental Procedures

Most dental procedures are performed safely and routinely. However, complications may occasionally occur.

General risks that may apply to many dental treatments include:

  • temporary discomfort or swelling

  • bruising in the treated area
 
  • bleeding during or after treatment

  • infection requiring additional care

  • delayed healing
 
  • reactions to local anaesthetic or medications

  • temporary difficulty opening the mouth

  • temporary sensitivity in teeth or gums.

In rare cases, more significant complications may occur.

4. Risks Associated With Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment is used to manage gum disease and restore gum health.

Possible risks or side effects may include:

  • temporary gum sensitivity
  • gum recession following healing
  • increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
  •  mild bleeding during healing
  • temporary tooth mobility
  • infection requiring additional treatment.


In advanced periodontal disease, treatment aims to stabilise the condition, but it may not fully restore lost gum or bone support.

5. Risks Associated With Dental Implants

Dental implants are a widely used and predictable method for replacing missing teeth. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications may occur.

Potential risks include:

  • infection at the implant site
  • failure of the implant to integrate with the bone

  • implant loosening over time

  • damage to nearby teeth or structures

  • nerve irritation resulting in numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue

  • sinus complications in upper jaw procedures

  • bone loss around the implant.


Implant success rates are generally high, but outcomes can be affected by factors such as smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, oral hygiene, and bone quality.

Additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation may carry their own risks.

6. Risks Associated With Oral Surgery

Oral surgical procedures may include wisdom tooth removal, surgical extractions, or exposure of impacted teeth.

Possible risks include:

  • welling and bruising

  • temporary jaw stiffness

  • bleeding following surgery

  • infection requiring antibiotics

  • dry socket following tooth extraction

  • damage to adjacent teeth or restorations

  • nerve irritation resulting in temporary or rarely permanent numbness.


Your clinician will discuss the likelihood of these risks based on the specific procedure and your clinical situation.

7. Anaesthesia and Sedation Risks

Local anaesthesia and sedation techniques are commonly used to ensure patient comfort.

 

Possible side effects may include:

  • temporary numbness lasting several hours
 dizziness or light-headedness

  • nausea

  • allergic reactions (rare)
 
  • prolonged numbness in rare cases.


Patients receiving sedation may require supervision after the procedure and should follow all pre- and post-operative instructions provided by the clinic.

8. After-Hours Care

Patients experiencing severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or other urgent symptoms outside clinic operating hours should seek assistance from an appropriate medical provider or hospital emergency department.

Toothsome cannot guarantee immediate clinical availability outside scheduled operating hours.

9. Healing and Patient Responsibilities

Successful healing after dental treatment depends partly on patient cooperation.
Patients are responsible for:

  • following post-treatment care instructions

  • maintaining good oral hygiene

  • attending recommended review appointments

  • informing the clinic if unusual symptoms occur.

 

Failure to follow post-treatment instructions, maintain recommended oral hygiene, or attend follow-up appointments may affect healing and treatment outcomes. Toothsome cannot accept responsibility for complications that arise from failure to comply with clinical instructions.

10. Treatment Outcomes

While our clinicians aim to achieve the best possible outcomes, dentistry and oral surgery involve biological processes that vary between individuals. For this reason, no guarantee or warranty can be provided regarding treatment outcomes, longevity of restorations, or the long-term success of procedures such as dental implants, periodontal treatment, or surgical interventions.

Treatment outcomes and recovery times vary between patients depending on individual health conditions, oral health status, and adherence to post-treatment care instructions.

11. When to Contact the Clinic

Patients should contact the clinic promptly if they experience:

  • persistent bleeding

  • severe pain not controlled by medication

  • swelling that worsens after treatment

  • signs of infection such as fever or discharge

  • prolonged numbness.


Early management can often prevent complications.

12. Relationship to Other Policies

This disclosure should be read together with the clinic’s:

  • Terms & Conditions

  • Privacy Policy

  • Cookie Policy


These documents collectively govern the use of the website and the provision of services by Toothsome.

13. Contact Information

For questions regarding treatment risks or informed consent, please contact:

 

Toothsome Periodontics, Dental Implants and Oral Surgery


1/56 Neridah St


Chatswood NSW 2067


Australia

 

Phone: (02) 9686 8018


Email: contact@toothsome.com.au

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