Treatment Information & Considerations

Before your surgical procedure, you may need to adjust or stop certain daily habits, such as smoking. In some cases, these changes need to be made well in advance to ensure your dental condition is stable before the procedure. To help preserve your treatment outcomes, long-term changes to your diet and habits may also be recommended. The specifics will vary between individuals, and your dentist will discuss what applies to your situation.

Important Information

Generally, treatment is completed over 3 to 6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. You may need to adjust your normal daily activities for the first few days. Depending on your treatment and how your body responds, you might also need to take some additional time off to rest and recover.

Healing and recovery times vary between individuals due to biological factors unique to you.

Typically, full recovery and settling occur within two weeks after the procedure.

Ongoing maintenance and care of your implants and prosthesis is crucial. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Surgical Risks - The surgical procedure itself carries surgical risks, especially when operating in proximity to vital structures.

Upper Jaw:

  • In the upper jaw, implants are often placed in poorer-quality bone and in close proximity to the sinuses.
  • Possible complications include bone fracture, insufficient implant stability, or accidental entry or puncture of the sinus.
  • These may require additional immediate or future procedures at additional costs.

Lower Jaw:

  • In the lower jaw, implants are often placed in proximity to nerves that give sensation to the lip, chin, and tongue.
  • Surgical intrusion or post-operative swelling may impinge upon nerves and result in altered or lost sensation to the lip, chin, and/or part of the tongue.
  • Such complications are rare and, should they occur, are most likely to be temporary, but there is a slight chance of prolonged or permanent complications.

Post-Surgical Risks

  • Sometimes, the stability of the planned implants in the remaining jawbone is unpredictable.
  • If the implants do not possess sufficient stability, we may not be able to immediately load your implants with the prosthesis (bridge/crown).
  • In this scenario, we may have to revert to using a temporary removable appliance for healing period instead of having a fixed temporary prosthesis.
  • The implants themselves are regarded as being fixed once successfully integrated into the bone and in favourable conditions.
  • Occasionally implants fail. An implant is considered to have failed when it does not solidly bond (or integrate) with the bone or becomes detached from the bone.
  • This can happen due to biological failure that cannot be predicted.
  • Patients may not be aware of a failed implant and it is therefore crucial to have your implants monitored by your dentist with regular 4–6 monthly check-ups.
  • A failed implant needs to be removed and replaced.
  • In cases where there is an inadequate volume of bone to replace the implant, additional procedures may be necessary.

Recovery and what to expect post-surgery

  • Swelling can be normal after your surgery and can be associated with discomfort or pain that can usually be managed with pain medication and are usually transient. Swelling typically does not reach its peak until day 4. The swelling and bruising should start decreasing after day 4, but please note each individual’s recovery period is different.
  • Bleeding will occur following surgery and it is not uncommon to bleed for 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
  • Pain and discomfort are expected following surgery and may be experienced for a couple of weeks. It is important you are taking your prescribed medication as per the recommendation, to help ease your pain and discomfort. Every patient has a different level of pain threshold and will need to be managed accordingly.
  • In most cases you may perform your regular daily activities, avoiding strenuous activity of any type for 24-48 hours as this may cause the wound to bleed and increase swelling. Sporting activities or going to the gym are best avoided for up to 10 days.
  • You may possibly feel tired and weak during the first 12–24 hours. This is not uncommon and rest is often the best cure.
  • Smoking is absolutely detrimental to the healing process and may cause the entire treatment to fail or you may develop an infection or other complications.
  • You may eat and drink following the procedure. We recommend eating cold and soft foods.
  • You may need to take time off work or other regular activities to allow for recovery. It is advisable to have someone available to assist you during this period, particularly if your procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The specific risks related to anaesthesia will be discussed with you by your dentist and the anaesthetist.

Generally, treatment is completed over 2 to 6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. We expect you to continue your usual daily activities throughout the process. However, depending on the treatment and your individual response, there may be a chance that you will need to take some days off to rest and recover.

Healing and recovery times vary between individuals due to biological factors unique to you. Typically, full recovery and settling occur within two weeks after the procedure. Ongoing maintenance and care of your restoration are essential. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Tooth Preparation and Sensitivity

  • Preparing teeth for veneers usually requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel, which cannot be restored naturally.
  • Tooth sensitivity: Some individuals may experience temporary or prolonged sensitivity to temperature or pressure following the procedure, which may result in need for additional treatment.

Veneer Durability and Appearance

  • Veneer fracture or detachment: While porcelain or resin is durable, veneers can chip, crack or become dislodged over time, particularly in cases of heavy biting forces or habits like grinding or clenching.
  • Colour mismatch or aesthetic dissatisfaction: Veneers are matched as closely as possible to natural teeth, but outcomes may not always meet expectations.

Gum and Oral Health

  • Gum irritation or inflammation: Poor oral hygiene or improper fit can lead to gum issues around the veneered teeth.
  • Need for replacement: Veneers are not permanent and may require replacement due to wear, damage, or changes in surrounding teeth or gums.

Post-Treatment Effects

  • Post-operative complications: These can include discomfort, inflammation, or sensitivity, which in rare cases may persist.
  • After treatment, your bite may feel unusual at first. Some people need a few adjustments to get everything feeling right.

Rare Reactions

  • Rarely, some people have a reaction to the anaesthetic or materials we use. Please tell us about any allergies or medications before we begin.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to lighten the colour of your teeth. It can help reduce stains and discoloration typically caused by food, drinks, smoking, or natural ageing. Our whitening treatments are performed in the dental clinic under professional supervision, with at-home whitening kits provided in addition for ongoing top-ups.

Any dental procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Not all patients are suitable candidates for whitening procedures and full assessment by a qualified dentist is necessary before any treatment can commence. There may be alternative treatment options available. We encourage our patients to ask the dentist questions and seek clarification on the procedure they are undertaking.

The following provides general information about the risks and considerations associated with this procedure. Each patient is different, and your dentist will discuss your specific circumstances during your consultation.

Professional whitening is generally considered safe, but results can vary depending on your teeth, existing dental work, and lifestyle factors.

Before Your Teeth Whitening Treatment:

Oral health and hygiene is paramount for teeth whitening treatments to be successful. We recommend a check-up and clean before your teeth whitening treatment.

During and After Your Teeth Whitening Treatment:

Food and drink:

It’s typically recommended to avoid consumption of dark coloured food and drink for 3 days including but not limited to: tea, coffee, red wine, bolognese sauce, tomato/beetroot sauces, curries, soy sauce and coffee. Using a straw or diluting liquids will not help.

Longevity of treatment:

Teeth whitening is not permanent. The rate at which your teeth will respond to treatment and how your teeth may discolour again will depend on your lifestyle habits and natural characteristics of your teeth.

Some people may notice their results beginning to fade after 3–6 months. Take-home whitening is provided as part of your initial treatment and can also be used periodically to maintain your results over time.

Sensitivity:

It is possible that you may experience some sensitivity whilst, during and after your teeth whitening treatment. Whitening sensitivity feels like something cold or quite hot on your tooth, which usually resolves on its own and is temporary in nature.

In most cases, treatment can be completed in a single visit. You may need to modify your usual dietary habits to help achieve desired results, and your dentist may recommend continuing the treatment at home as prescribed.

Ongoing maintenance and care of your oral health is essential. Your practitioner will provide a personalised maintenance schedule, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

A dental filling is a common treatment used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, small fractures, or wear. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the space is filled with a material to restore the tooth’s shape and function. While generally safe and effective, there are possible risks and outcomes to understand.

Common short-term side effects may include tooth sensitivity, mild soreness in the jaw or gums, and temporary numbness due to local anaesthetic.

Possible risks or complications include but are not limited to:

Persistent sensitivity - If sensitivity lasts several weeks, the nerve inside the tooth may be irritated.

Bite problems - If the filling is slightly too high, it can cause discomfort when biting until adjusted.

Filling failure or fracture - Fillings can crack, loosen, or fall out over time.

Secondary decay - New decay can form around the edges if bacteria enter gaps.

Pulp irritation or infection - If decay was deep, the nerve may become inflamed and could require a root canal treatment.

Allergic reactions (rare) - Some people may react to filling materials, though this is uncommon.