Bone Graft Socket Preservation and Ridge Augmentation Informed Consent

BONE GRAFTING
The bone grafting procedure involves opening the gums in the area to expose the existing bone. This is then followed by placing bone material in such a manner so as to augment the existing bone horizontally or vertically. A protective barrier or membrane may then placed over the grafted bone for protection. The gums are then closed over and sutured (stitched) in place to completely cover the bone grafted area. A healing time of 4-6 months is then typically allowed for the bone graft to “take”, mature, and integrate with the surrounding native bone. As discussed, the bone graft material and membrane we’ll be using is derived from a donor source (animal or human) or synthetic. The materials I use have been documented to be safe and reliable.

Expected Benefits
The purpose of bone grafting in your case would be to increase the width and height of the existing bone to allow for proper implant placement to replace a lost tooth or teeth. In addition, a bone graft will repair the bone that was lost due to an infection. Re-building healthy bone in the site of a previous extraction can also increase the prognosis of adjacent teeth by providing additional periodontium to neighboring teeth. It may also help to harmonize the esthetics of the region. The amount of volume achieved is influenced by a number of factors. As such, some cases require multiple grafts to achieve the necessary volume in order to place an implant of a specific size.

Principal Risks and Complications
Although bone grafting of localized areas to increase the width of existing bone has been shown in clinical studies to be a predictable procedure, in some cases, patients do not respond successfully to the procedure and may require revision procedures to attain the desired result. Because each patient’s condition is unique, the procedure may not be successful in preserving function or appearance for the long- term.

Complications may result from grafting surgery, drugs, or local anesthetics. The exact duration of any complications cannot be determined and they may be irreversible. These complications include but are not limited to:

Pain; swelling; bruising; infection; bleeding; loss of sensation to an area; injury to neighboring or adjacent teeth; adverse drug reactions and discomfort.

There is no method that will accurately predict or evaluate how your gums and bone will heal. There may be a need for a second procedure if the results are not satisfactory. In addition, the success of surgical grafting procedures can be affected by medical conditions, dietary and nutritional problems, smoking, alcohol consumption, clenching and grinding of teeth, inadequate oral hygiene, and certain medications. Accurate reporting of any prior drug reactions, allergies, diseases, symptoms, habits, or conditions that you may have should be reported to Dr. Tatarin. Also, foods to avoid/consume and diligence in maintaining personal daily oral care recommended after the procedure and taking all prescribed medications is important to the ultimate success of the procedure.

Necessary Follow-up Care And Self-Care
Natural teeth should be maintained daily in a clean, hygienic manner. You will need to come for appointments following the surgery so that healing may be monitored and so that Dr. Tatarin can evaluate and report on the outcome of surgery upon completion of healing. Smoking or alcohol intake may adversely affect healing and may limit the successful outcome of surgery. It is important (1) to abide by the specific prescriptions and instructions given post-operatively and (2) to see Dr. Tatarin for periodic examination and preventative treatment.

Patient Consent
I have been fully informed of the surgery to be performed, to my satisfaction. I understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, alternative treatments, and the necessity for follow-up and self care. I also understand the potential outcome of no treatment in the area – i.e. continued bone loss and possible compromise of adjacent teeth. I realize that during the course of the surgery, the treatment may need to be modified due to existing conditions that are only evident when the surgical site has been exposed. I have had an opportunity to ask any questions I may have in connection with the treatment and to discuss my concerns with Dr. Tatarin.

I have discussed with Dr. Tatarin the literature recommendation on the taking of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent an infection in the graft after the procedure is done. I assume the risks associated with an infection or additional procedures if I opt to not take the recommended antibiotic.

I have also been briefed that I will need to return to the office for a post-op appointment to remove sutures and/or membrane remnants after the graft site heals.

By signing below, I hereby consent to the performance of bone grafting surgery as presented to me and consent to any additional or alternative procedures that may be deemed necessary in the judgment of Dr. Tatarin. I agree to be ultimately responsible for payment of the treatment in full on the day of the procedure as agreed to with Dr. Tatarin.

I agree to follow-up with Dr. Tatarin if any issues or complications arise after the procedure and to make myself available to be seen if need be.