INFORMED CONSENT
RISKS OF CONSENT FOR TREATMENT
I understand that almost all natural teeth can benefit from whitening treatments and significant whitening can be achieved in most cases.
I understand however that whitening treatment results may vary or regress due to a variety of circumstances.
I understand that whitening treatments are not intended to lighten artificial teeth,caps, crowns, veneers or porcelain, composite or other restorative materials and that people with darkly stained yellow or yellow-brown teeth frequently achieve betterresults than people with gray or bluish-gray teeth.
I understand that teeth with multiple colorations, bands, blotches or spots due to tetracycline use, orthodontics, or fluorosis do not whiten as well, may need multiple treatments or may not whiten at all.
I understand that teeth with many fillings, cavities may not lighten and are usually best treated with other non-bleaching alternatives.
I understand that provisionals or temporaries made from acrylics may become
discolored after exposure to whitening treatment.
I understand that whitening treatment is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, light sensitive individuals, patients receiving PUVA (Psoralen + UVA radiation) or other photochemo-therapeutic drugs or treatment, as well as patients with melanoma, diabetes or heart conditions.
I understand that the Whitening Lamp emits invisible blue light and that patients taking any drugs that increase photosensitivity should consult with their physician before undergoing the treatment.
I understand that the results of my Whitening Treatment cannot be guaranteed.
I understand that in-office whitening treatments are considered generally safe by most dental professionals.
I understand that although my dentist has been trained in the proper use of the whitening system, the treatment is not without risk.
I understand that some of the potential complications of this treatment include, but are not limited to:
Tooth Sensitivity/Pain –
During the first 24 hours after Whitening treatment, some patients can experience some tooth sensitivity or pain. This is normal and is usually mild, but it can be worse in susceptible individuals.
Normally, tooth sensitivity or pain following a whitening treatment subsides within 24hours, but in rare cases can persist for longer periods of time in susceptible individuals.
People with existing sensitivity, recession, exposed dentin, exposed root surfaces, recently cracked teeth, abfractions (micro-cracks), open cavities, leaking fillings, or other dental conditions that cause sensitivity or allow penetration of the gel into the tooth may find that those conditions increase or prolong tooth sensitivity or pain after the whitening treatment.
Gum/Lip/Cheek Inflammation –
Whitening may cause inflammation of your gums, lips or cheek margins. This is due to inadvertent exposure of a small area of those tissues to the whitening gel or the light.
The inflammation is usually temporary and will subside in a few days but may persist longer and may result in significant pain or discomfort, depending on the degree to which the soft tissues were exposed to the gel or light.
Dry/Chapped Lips –
The whitening treatment involves three, or four 15-minute sessions during which the mouth is kept open continuously for the entire treatment by a plastic retractor.
This could result in dryness or chapping of the lips or cheek margins, which can be treated by application of lip balm, petroleum jelly or Vitamin E cream.
Cavities or Leaking Fillings –
Most dental whitening is indicated for the outside of the teeth.If any open cavities or fillings that are leaking are present allowing gel to penetrate the tooth, it could result in significant pain.
I understand that if my teeth have these conditions, I should have my cavities filled or my fillings redone before undergoing the Whitening treatment.
Cervical Abrasion/Erosion –
These are conditions which affect the roots of the teeth when the gums recede and they are characterized by grooves, notches and/or depressions that appear darker than the rest of the teeth, where the teeth meet the gums. These areas appear darker because they lack the enamel that covers the rest of the teeth.
Even if these areas are not currently sensitive, they can allow the whitening gel to penetrate the teeth, causing sensitivity.
I understand that if cervical abrasion/erosion exists on my teeth, I should get it filled if possible or have these areas covered with a dental dam prior to my whitening treatment.
Root Resorption –
This is a condition where the root of the tooth starts to dissolve either from the inside or outside.
Although the cause of this is still uncertain, I understand that there is evidence that indicates the incidence of root resorption is higher in patients who have undergone root canals followed by whitening procedures.
Relapse –
After the whitening treatment, it is natural for the teeth that underwent the treatment to regress somewhat in their shading after treatment.
This is natural and should be very gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents.
Treatment may involve wearing a take-home tray or repeating the whitening treatment.
I understand that the results of the whitening treatment are not intended to be permanent and secondary, repeat or take-home treatments may be needed for me to
maintain the tooth shade I desire for my teeth.
I understand that my dentist has evaluated whether I am a proper candidate for an in-office whitening procedure.
The safety, efficacy, potential complications and risks of the whitening treatment has been explained to me by my dentist and I understand that more information on this will be provided to me upon my request.
Since it is impossible to state every complication that may occur as a result of whitening treatment, the list of complications in this form is incomplete.
The basic procedures of whitening treatment and the pros and cons, risks and known possible complications of alternative treatments have been explained to me
by my dentist and my dentist has answered all my questions to my satisfaction.
In signing this informed consent I am stating I have read this informed consent (or it has been read to me) and I fully understand it and the possible risks, complications and benefits that can result from the whitening treatment and that I agree to undergo the treatment as described by my dentist.
By signing this document in the space provided I indicate that I have read and understand the entire document and that I give my permission for Whitening
treatment to be performed on me.
Patient/ Guardian’s Signature & Date:
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Doctor’s Signature & Date:
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