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Know the potential risks before you decide

Understanding Treatment Risks

Are you concerned about the potential risks associated with your treatment? Below, we explore common complications, contributing factors & important considerations- helping you make a confident, well-informed decision about your care.

Am I Eligible?

Know the potential risks before you decide

Understanding Treatment Risks

Are you concerned about the potential risks associated with your treatment? Below, we explore common complications, contributing factors & important considerations- helping you make a confident, well-informed decision about your care.
Am I Eligible?

Understanding the Risks of Dental Treatments

Know the risks before you decide.

All dental treatments carry potential risks or side effects. No procedure is without the possibility of complications, and outcomes can vary depending on the treatment type, your overall health, and your individual dental needs.

While dental treatments can improve the function, health, and appearance of your teeth, it is important to understand that there are risks associated with every procedure. These may include, but are not limited to, discomfort, sensitivity, infection, or other unexpected outcomes.

This information is intended as a general guide and is not a substitute for personalised advice. Your dentist will discuss the specific risks and benefits of any proposed treatment, as well as alternative options if appropriate, during your consultation. Being aware of the risks helps you make a fully informed decision about your care.

Dental Implants: Risks and Important Information

Dental implants can provide a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, whether replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch. While these treatments can improve the function, appearance, and strength of your teeth, it is important to understand that all dental procedures carry potential risks and complications.

Every patient is different, and outcomes can vary depending on factors such as your oral health, bone quality, and general health. Your dentist will assess your individual situation and discuss the specific risks and benefits of treatment, as well as alternative options, during your consultation.

Surgical Risks

Dental implant surgery involves working near important structures in the mouth. Potential surgical risks include:

Implant Failure

Dental implants may fail to integrate with the jawbone (a process known as osseointegration failure). This can occur shortly after placement or, in some cases, years after successful initial integration. Factors that may contribute to implant failure include bone quality and density, smoking, certain medical conditions, and inadequate oral hygiene. If an implant fails, removal and further treatment will be required.

Infection

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the implant site. Infection may occur during the initial healing period or at a later stage (known as peri-implantitis). Symptoms can include swelling, pain, discharge, and bone loss around the implant. Treatment may require antibiotics, additional surgical intervention, or in some cases, implant removal.

Bone Loss

Bone loss around the implant site can occur over time. This may affect the long-term stability and function of the implant. Factors contributing to bone loss include infection, implant failure, and changes in bite forces. In some cases, bone grafting procedures may be required prior to or following implant placement.

Nerve Injury

Implant surgery carries a risk of injury to nearby nerves, particularly the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. This may result in temporary or, in rare cases, permanent altered sensation including numbness, tingling, or pain in the lips, chin, gums, or tongue. Your clinician will assess nerve proximity using imaging prior to surgery to minimise this risk.

Discomfort

Pain, swelling, and discomfort are common following implant surgery and are a normal part of the healing process. Most patients manage post-operative discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. Persistent or worsening pain beyond the expected healing period should be reported to your treating clinician promptly.

Healing Complications

The healing process following implant surgery varies between individuals and may be affected by factors including overall health, smoking, diabetes, medications, and immune function. Delayed healing, wound breakdown, or complications at the surgical site may require additional clinical review and treatment. Final prosthetic placement cannot proceed until adequate healing is confirmed.

Prosthetic Complications

The prosthetic components of your implant treatment, including the abutment, crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration, may be subject to wear, fracture, loosening, or failure over time. Provisional restorations placed at the time of surgery are temporary and will require replacement with a final restoration following a healing period. Regular maintenance and review appointments are essential to the long-term function of your restoration.

  • In the upper jaw, implants may be near the sinus, and complications could include sinus perforation or the need for additional procedures.
  • In the lower jaw, implants may be close to nerves, and rare complications can include temporary or, very rarely, permanent changes in sensation to the lip, chin, or tongue.
  • Infection, bleeding, or swelling may occur following surgery.
  • Implant failure can occur if the implant does not properly integrate with the bone.

Some lifestyle or health factors may need to be addressed prior to treatment. This could include adjustments to habits such as smoking or managing certain medical conditions to support healing and ensure the best possible outcome. Your dentist will provide personalised guidance on any necessary preparations.

Implant treatment may require additional procedures beyond the initial surgery. These can include bone grafting, sinus lifts, soft tissue management, or the removal and replacement of failed components. Treatment timelines, costs, and clinical pathways may change based on your individual response to treatment. Your clinician will discuss all anticipated and potential additional requirements with you prior to commencing treatment.

Long-term maintenance is essential to protect your implants and surrounding teeth. Your dentist will provide a personalised plan for oral hygiene and regular check-ups.

Veneers: Risks and Important Information

Veneers are a popular option for improving the appearance of teeth, but it is important to understand that all dental procedures carry potential risks. Your dentist will discuss the suitability, benefits, and potential complications of veneers, as well as any alternative treatments, to help you make an informed decision.

Treatment Process

Veneer treatment typically involves 2 to 6 visits, depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients are able to continue their daily activities during the treatment period. However, some individuals may require short periods of rest depending on their personal response to the procedure. Healing and settling times vary between patients, but most people achieve full recovery within two weeks.

Some patients may require supplementary treatments such as gum reshaping or contouring to achieve the best results. These procedures have their own specific risks, which your dentist will explain if they are recommended for your treatment plan.

  • Enamel removal: Preparing teeth for veneers requires removing a small amount of enamel, which is permanent.
  • Tooth sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary or prolonged sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure after treatment. In some cases, further treatment may be needed to manage sensitivity.
  • Chipping or detachment: While veneers are made to be durable, they can chip, crack, or become dislodged over time, particularly if you grind your teeth or apply excessive force.
  • Colour and aesthetic outcome: Veneers are carefully matched to your natural teeth, but results may not always meet your expectations.

After receiving veneers, some patients may notice irritation, redness, or tenderness in the gums near the treated teeth. These effects are usually temporary but can occur if oral hygiene is inconsistent or if the veneers do not fit perfectly.

Veneers are designed to be long-lasting, but they are not permanent. Over time, they may need to be replaced due to normal wear, accidental damage, or changes in the surrounding teeth and gum tissue. Regular check-ups and good oral care can help extend their lifespan.

  • Adjustment period: Your bite may feel different initially, and a few minor adjustments may be required.
  • Discomfort or inflammation: Some sensitivity or discomfort is normal after treatment, but rarely, it can persist longer than expected.

In very rare cases, patients may react to anaesthetic or materials used in veneers. Please inform your dentist of any allergies or medications prior to treatment.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups is essential to protect your veneers and oral health. Your dentist will provide a personalised maintenance plan, which may involve additional costs beyond the initial treatment.

Chat with a Patient Consultant

No matter where you are in your treatment journey, our team can provide information about full mouth dental implant options and available payment plans. Speak with a Patient Consultant today to learn more about the options that may be suitable for you.

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Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions are published on behalf of a group of entities collectively known as the Nova Dental Implant Centres (NDIC). Your usage of any webpage or other source of information in which these Terms & Conditions appear or are referred to in, or any good or service you acquire from NDIC, is subject to these Terms and Conditions, in addition to any other or further binding terms agreed in respect of the foregoing matters, from time to time. You must review these Terms and Conditions before using any webpage or other sources of information in which these Terms & Conditions appear or are referred to in, and before seeking or acquiring any good or service, of any kind whatsoever, from NDIC.

Nova Dental Implant Centres are independently operated by AHPRA-registered dental practitioners. Clinical decisions at each practice are made solely by the treating clinician in the best interests of the individual patient. NDIC does not use the title “specialist” unless the relevant treating clinician holds an AHPRA-registered specialist qualification in the relevant field.

NDIC’s landing pages and advertisements are produced by a third-party marketing agency under a commercial agreement with NDIC. Nevertheless, NDIC places great emphasis on its obligations pursuant to law with respect to any advertising published on its behalf and will act promptly to correct any content that is not consistent with those obligations, upon becoming aware of it. If you have a concern about any NOVA advertising, please contact ads@novadentalimplantcentre.com.au. By accessing and/or otherwise using any webpage or other source of information in which these Terms & Conditions appear or are referred to in,- you acknowledge and agree that the information contained therein is general in nature and does not constitute medical or dental advice.

References to “New Teeth in 24 Hours,” “A New Smile in 24 Hours,” or similar expressions refer specifically to the intended delivery of provisional (temporary) teeth within 24 hours of implant surgery for clinically eligible patients only. However, these terms do not refer to a final restoration or final outcome — rather, final teeth are custom-fabricated and placed at a subsequent appointment following an adequate healing period determined by your treating clinician. Timeframes for any particular procedure or service may vary due to clinical, surgical, prosthetic, or technical factors and are not guaranteed. Although NDIC implements a number of internal practices to make any dental procedure as efficient and effective as possible, dental procedures are inherently complex and should not be sought on the basis of timeframe or any other single factor alone.

Suitability for any procedure, including suitability for a same-day provisional placement, can only be determined following a comprehensive in-person clinical assessment by a qualified AHPRA-registered treating clinician. Clinical outcomes, aesthetic results, recovery times, and complication rates vary between individuals and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Any outcomes depicted in NDIC’s advertising are illustrative only and do not represent typical, likely or guaranteed results, whether in a qualitative or temporal sense. Where digital smile design previews are provided, these are simulations only and do not constitute a guarantee of the final clinical outcome.

Patient images and videos used in NDIC’s advertising are used with written consent in a general illustrative context only. They do not depict or describe any specific patient’s clinical experience, treatment, or outcome and are not testimonials. NDIC does not use patient testimonials in any advertising or marketing material save to the extent permitted by law. Any images or videos published by or on behalf of NDIC are general in nature, for informational purposes only and do not guarantee any particular outcome or result, whether in a qualitative or temporal sense.

All dental and implant procedures carry inherent risks including but not limited to implant failure, infection, peri-implantitis, bone loss, nerve injury, post-operative discomfort, healing complications, and prosthetic complications. Your treating clinician will discuss all applicable risks, alternatives, and costs with you in detail prior to commencing any treatment. For a full list of treatment risks, visit our Treatment Risks page. Dental procedures are complex medical procedures, not cosmetic or personal services and should be approached with a corresponding level of consideration and care.

Initial consultations are provided for assessment and information purposes only and do not constitute a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or commitment to proceed with any clinical pathway. Although some of NDIC’s patients seek further information after conferring with other practitioners, nothing in any advertisement or other publication published by or on behalf of NDIC should be understood as a claim that any other practitioner, clinic or practice has erred in judgment, is incorrect, has provided a defective or deficient service or that NDIC can necessarily provide a superior service . Eligible patients may receive a Dental Implant Smile Makeover Package (valued at $1,000, including a face-to-face consultation, CBCT scan, and personalised treatment plan) or a Veneer Smile Design Consultation Package (valued at $500, including a cosmetic consultation, OPG X-ray, digital smile design preview, and personalised treatment plan). Each package is provided at no charge to eligible patients, is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and eligibility is determined at NOVA’s sole discretion and may be withdrawn at any time. Attending a consultation or receiving either package creates no obligation to proceed with treatment.

References to payment plans or funding options in NDIC’s advertising, webpage or any other source of information published by or on behalf of NDIC are general information only and do not constitute financial advice or a guarantee of approval. Payment options and the terms on which those options may or may not be provided are subject to individual eligibility and the terms and conditions of the relevant third-party provider, NDIC accepts no responsibility for the outcome of any finance application. Superannuation can only be accessed for dental treatment under the ATO’s Compassionate Release of Superannuation program where strict medical and financial hardship criteria are met. NDIC does not approve, encourage, assist with or guarantee superannuation applications and any prospective patients are strongly encouraged to seek independent financial advice before applying.

All advertising content is general in nature, intended for adults only, and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Before commencing any dental or surgical treatment, you should consult a qualified AHPRA-registered dental practitioner. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither NDIC nor any of its affiliates, related entities, directors, officers, employees, representatives or agents accept any liability for any loss and/or damage resulting from reliance on pre-consultation information or marketing material, or any loss, damage, or claim arising from matters relating to financing provided by third parties, superannuation applications, delays in approval, or individual clinical outcomes or any other breach of these Terms and/or Conditions. Nothing in these terms limits rights that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.

By submitting details through any NDIC form, quiz, or booking system, you consent to being contacted by or on behalf of NDIC via phone, SMS, or email regarding your enquiry. Your information will be handled in accordance with NIDC’s Privacy Policy and will not be sold to third parties. A copy of our Privacy Policy is available at our Privacy Statement page.

These terms are reviewed regularly and updated, from time to time, including in accordance with NDIC’s obligations pursuant to law. In the event that you continue to use and/or access (as the case may be) any advertisement, webpage or other source of information published by or on behalf of NDIC, or continue to avail of or accept any goods and/or services, after being made aware of the existence of these Terms & Conditions, as amended from time to time, you will be taken to have, and you further represent and warrant to each entity comprising NDIC that you have, reviewed and accepted these Terms & Conditions.

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