Treatment Risks & Suitability FAQs

Treatment Risks & Suitability FAQs

At Balgowlah Family Dental Practice, we believe in honest, clear communication. Before proceeding with any dental treatment, we want you to feel fully informed about potential risks, limitations and suitability criteria. The following FAQs cover our most common treatments and are provided to help you make confident, well-informed decisions about your oral health. A personalised consultation with Dr Mario is always required before commencing any treatment. General information on this page does not replace individual clinical advice.

Dental Implants

No. Implant suitability depends on several individual factors including bone quality and density, overall oral and general health, medical history, and the current condition of your gums. A comprehensive clinical assessment including diagnostic imaging is required before we can determine whether implants are appropriate for you.

As with any surgical procedure, dental implants carry potential risks. These may include infection, pain, swelling or bruising, nerve damage or altered sensation, implant failure, sinus complications for upper jaw placements, and graft failure if bone grafting is required. In some cases, further surgical or restorative procedures may be needed. Your individual risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation.

No. Treatment outcomes vary from person to person and depend on individual clinical circumstances. Any reference to timelines or same-day procedures applies only to eligible patients under specific clinical protocols. We do not guarantee particular outcomes or timeframes.

Orthodontics & Invisalign

Not always. Suitability for braces or Invisalign clear aligners depends on factors including age and stage of dental development, the type and severity of misalignment or bite issues, overall oral health including gum health and existing restorations, and general medical history. A thorough clinical assessment including scans, photographs and X-rays is required to confirm candidacy.

Potential risks and complications may include temporary discomfort when aligners are changed or braces adjusted, irritation to gums or cheeks, mild speech changes such as a lisp, tooth decay or gum problems if oral hygiene is not maintained, delayed or incomplete tooth movement requiring treatment modification, root shortening in some cases, gum recession or bone changes if pre-existing gum disease is present, and teeth shifting after treatment if retainers are not worn as directed. Your risks will be discussed at your consultation with Dr Mario.

No. Estimated timeframes such as 12 to 18 months are guides only and depend on your individual clinical circumstances. Not all patients are suitable for Invisalign and alternative orthodontic options may be recommended. We do not guarantee specific outcomes or exact treatment durations.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

No. Removal is typically recommended when teeth are impacted or not erupting correctly, when there is pain, swelling or infection, when adjacent teeth are at risk, when cysts or pathology are present, or when there is insufficient space for proper alignment. A clinical assessment including X-rays or 3D scans is needed to confirm whether extraction is appropriate in your case.

Potential complications may include pain, swelling or bruising after the procedure, bleeding or delayed healing, infection at the extraction site, dry socket, nerve injury causing temporary or permanent tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue or chin, sinus complications for upper teeth located near the sinus cavity, damage to adjacent teeth, and the possible need for further surgical procedures. Your individual risks will be explained before treatment commences.

Recovery experiences vary. Some patients require only local anaesthetic while others may benefit from sedation. Post-surgical discomfort and healing time depend on the position of the teeth and the complexity of the extraction. We do not guarantee specific recovery timeframes or outcomes, and will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your procedure.

Dental Veneers & Crowns

No. Suitability depends on the health of your natural teeth and gums, the amount of remaining tooth structure, your bite and jaw alignment, existing restorations, and your oral hygiene habits. A comprehensive examination including X-rays and diagnostic imaging is required to confirm whether you are a candidate.

Potential risks include tooth sensitivity to heat, cold or pressure, irreversible removal of natural tooth enamel, nerve irritation or the possible need for root canal treatment, chipping or fracture of the restoration over time, colour mismatch with surrounding natural teeth, gum irritation or inflammation, increased risk of decay at the margins if oral hygiene is not maintained, and the eventual need for replacement or repair.

Longevity varies between patients and depends on lifestyle factors such as teeth grinding, diet and oral hygiene. Veneers and crowns are not permanent and may require replacement after several years. In some cases, orthodontics or other alternatives may be more clinically appropriate than veneers. We do not guarantee specific outcomes or exact lifespans for any restoration.

Transform Your Smile

Great Dental Care Starts With a Real Conversation

Whether it's your child's first check-up or a full smile makeover, the best results happen when you feel genuinely supported. At Balgowlah Family Dental, thoroughness isn't a formality. It's how we work. You'll feel it in how we listen, how we plan, and how we care for you and your family.