Risks, recovery and considerations

Some cosmetic, surgical and restorative procedures involve real considerations you should understand before you decide. This page summarises the potential risks and side effects associated with specific treatments we offer.

It is not exhaustive. Your individual circumstances matter enormously, which is why every patient receives a thorough consultation with a registered dental practitioner before any treatment begins. Specific risks, alternatives and suitability will always be discussed with you in person.

The information on this page supports informed decision-making and does not replace a consultation with a registered dental practitioner. Individual risks, suitability and treatment outcomes depend on your personal circumstances and will be discussed with you prior to treatment.

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Porcelain Veneers — Important Information

About the process
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Veneer treatment is generally completed over 2 to 6 appointments, depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients continue with their normal daily activities during treatment. However, depending on the procedures involved and how your body responds, some patients may need time to rest and recover between appointments. Your treating dentist will talk you through what to expect for your specific situation.

Healing and recovery vary from person to person. Most patients find any post-procedure sensitivity or discomfort settles within two weeks, though this can vary depending on your individual circumstances. Ongoing maintenance is an important part of protecting your investment — your dentist will outline a personalised care plan, which may involve additional costs beyond your initial treatment.

Before proceeding with any dental procedure, you should understand all available options. There may be alternative treatments suited to your needs. We encourage you to ask questions and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner if you'd like one.

Tooth preparation and sensitivity
Preparing teeth for veneers requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel. This change to your tooth structure is permanent and cannot be reversed.

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure following the procedure. In some cases, sensitivity may persist for longer and could require further treatment.

Veneer longevity and appearance
Porcelain is a strong material, but veneers can chip, crack or come loose over time — especially if you grind or clench your teeth, or place heavy biting forces on them regularly.

Colour matching is done with care, but the final result is unique to you and may differ from what you envisioned. Your dentist will walk you through what to expect before any preparation begins.

Gum and oral health
Poor oral hygiene or an imperfect fit can lead to gum irritation or inflammation around veneered teeth.

Veneers are not permanent restorations. They may need to be replaced due to wear, damage, or changes to surrounding teeth or gum tissue over time.

Post-treatment effects
Some discomfort, inflammation or sensitivity following treatment is normal. In rare cases, these symptoms may persist and require follow-up care.

Your bite may feel different after treatment. Minor adjustments are sometimes needed to restore a comfortable, natural feel.

Rare reactions
A small number of patients experience a reaction to anaesthetic or materials used during treatment. Please let us know about any known allergies or current medications before your appointment.

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Teeth Whitening — Important Information

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that uses a whitening agent to lighten the colour of your teeth and reduce the appearance of staining caused by food, drinks, smoking or the natural ageing process. At Macquarie Street Dental, in-chair whitening is performed under professional supervision. A take-home whitening kit may also be provided as part of your treatment for ongoing maintenance.

This decision should be made carefully, with a full understanding of the potential risks and whether the treatment is right for you. This information is intended to support that decision — it doesn't replace a consultation with your dentist, during which your specific circumstances will be assessed and discussed in full.

We encourage you to ask questions, explore all available options, and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner if you'd like one.

Before your treatment
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. A full assessment by a registered dental practitioner is required before any treatment can begin. Whitening may not be recommended if you:

• Have untreated tooth decay, gum disease or significant dental sensitivity
• Have existing restorations such as crowns, veneers or composite bonding in your smile zone — whitening agents do not lighten artificial materials, which can result in colour differences between your natural teeth and any restorations
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are under 18 years of age

We recommend a check-up and clean before beginning any whitening treatment to ensure your mouth is in good health and that whitening is the right option for you.

Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is the most commonly reported side effect of teeth whitening. This typically presents as a sharp or intense sensation in response to hot or cold temperatures. For most patients, sensitivity is temporary and resolves on its own after treatment. In some cases it may be more pronounced or take longer to settle. If you have a history of dental sensitivity, please discuss this with your dentist before proceeding.

Gum and soft tissue irritation
The whitening agent used during in-chair treatment is a concentrated solution. Contact with gum tissue or other soft tissues in the mouth can cause temporary irritation, redness or discomfort. Every care is taken to protect the surrounding tissue during your appointment, but some mild irritation may still occur.

Results and realistic expectations
The degree of whitening achievable varies from person to person. Your results will depend on the natural colour and characteristics of your teeth, the nature and depth of any staining, and your lifestyle habits. Results cannot be guaranteed, and the outcome one patient experiences will not necessarily reflect what another patient can expect.

Whitening agents do not affect the colour of existing dental restorations. If you have crowns, veneers or composite bonding, your dentist will discuss how this may affect your overall result before treatment begins.

How long results last
Teeth whitening is not permanent. Results will fade over time, influenced by diet, lifestyle habits and the natural characteristics of your teeth. Some patients notice results beginning to change after a few months. If a take-home kit has been provided, it can be used periodically to help maintain your results — your dentist will advise on appropriate use.

After your treatment
To protect your results in the days following treatment, avoid strongly pigmented food and drinks including tea, coffee, red wine, tomato-based sauces, curries, soy sauce and beetroot. Using a straw or diluting beverages does not meaningfully reduce staining risk during this period.

At-home whitening
If you have been provided with a take-home kit, use it only as directed by your dentist. Overuse or incorrect application can increase the risk of sensitivity or soft tissue irritation. Do not use the kit more frequently than advised, and contact us if you experience any discomfort.

Rare reactions
A small number of patients experience a reaction to the whitening agent or other materials used during treatment. Please let us know about any known allergies or current medications before your appointment.

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Dental Implants — Important Information

Dental implants replace missing teeth by replicating the structure of a natural tooth. A small titanium implant is placed into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial tooth root. Over the following months, the bone grows around and integrates with the implant — a process called osseointegration. Once complete, a custom-made crown, bridge or prosthesis is attached on top.

Implants can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth using an implant-supported bridge, or — if you're missing all or most of your teeth — a full fixed arch supported by four to six implants placed strategically in the jaw.

Before proceeding, ask questions, seek clarification and consider a second opinion. There may be alternative treatment options available. Most patients require three to six visits depending on the complexity of their case.

Some patients require additional procedures before implants can be placed — most commonly bone grafting or a sinus lift. Both carry their own risks, which your dentist will discuss with you. Implants also require ongoing maintenance, which may involve costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.

Surgical risks
Depending on your anatomy and implant placement, risks may include:

• Insufficient implant stability
• Bone fracture at or near the implant site
• Unintended contact with or entry into the sinus cavity
• Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes to sensation in the lip, chin or tongue

If complications occur, additional procedures may be required.

Post-surgical risks
If an implant doesn't achieve sufficient stability at placement, a temporary removable appliance may be used during healing instead of a fixed temporary tooth.

Occasionally an implant does not bond with the surrounding bone, or detaches after initially integrating. This can occur due to biological factors that cannot always be predicted. Infection around the implant site (peri-implantitis) can also develop post-surgery and, if left untreated, may contribute to implant failure. A failed implant must be removed, and replacement may require further procedures.

Because complications are not always noticeable, four to six monthly check-ups are essential.

Recovery: what to expect
Individual recovery varies. As a general guide:

• Swelling and bruising are normal and typically peak around day four
• Bleeding is expected for the first 24 to 48 hours
• Pain and discomfort may continue for up to two weeks — take prescribed pain relief as directed
• Avoid strenuous exercise and sport for up to 10 days
• Soft, cold foods are recommended initially
• Fatigue is normal in the first 12 to 24 hours
• Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications including implant failure — ceasing before and during recovery is strongly recommended
• You may need time off work; having someone available to assist you is advisable, particularly if sedation is involved

Healing timelines and outcomes vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations for your specific circumstances.

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Invisalign — Important Information

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Each aligner is worn for a set period before being replaced by the next in the series, moving the teeth incrementally toward the planned position. Treatment begins with a full assessment and digital scan, from which a personalised aligner series is custom-fabricated to your treatment plan.

Most patients wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss. Attachments — small tooth-coloured buttons bonded to certain teeth — may be used to facilitate more precise movement and are removed once treatment is complete. Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your case, and retainers are required at the end of active treatment to maintain your results.

Before proceeding, ask questions, seek clarification and consider a second opinion — there may be alternative treatment options available. Some cases require supplemental treatment alongside aligners where aligners alone may not achieve the desired tooth movement, and general health conditions or medications can affect how teeth respond. Your dentist will walk you through a personalised plan, including any additional treatment requirements, before anything begins. Ongoing maintenance may involve costs beyond your initial treatment plan.

Invisalign treatment involves a series of dental procedures. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.

Treatment considerations

• Attachments may be bonded to one or more teeth to assist with tooth movement — these are removed at the end of treatment but may occasionally detach and require replacement during treatment
• Some teeth may require minor reshaping between contact points (interproximal reduction) to create space for alignment
• Severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies or jaw imbalances may require additional or alternative treatment — your dentist will assess this at your consultation
• A tooth that has previously been traumatised or heavily restored may respond differently to orthodontic forces — your dentist will assess any at-risk teeth before treatment begins
• General medical conditions and certain medications can influence how teeth respond to orthodontic treatment

What you may experience during treatment

• Tenderness or pressure when switching to a new aligner — this is normal and typically settles within a day or two
• Temporary irritation to the gums, cheeks or lips
• Changes to your bite throughout treatment, which may cause temporary discomfort
• A temporary increase in saliva production or mouth dryness — certain medications can heighten this effect
• A temporary lisp when you first begin wearing aligners, which typically resolves within one to two weeks
• In rare cases, slight surface wear on aligners where teeth grinding occurs — this does not generally affect aligner function or integrity

Oral health risks
Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout treatment is essential. If teeth are not brushed and flossed thoroughly before wearing aligners, or if sugary foods and drinks are consumed while aligners are in, the risk of the following increases:

• Tooth decay
• Gum inflammation or periodontal disease
• Permanent white spot marks on teeth (decalcification)
• Impaired bone or gum health supporting the teeth

If teeth have been crowded or overlapping for an extended period, the gum tissue between them may not fully recover after straightening, leaving a small triangular gap known as a "black triangle." Your dentist will discuss this with you if it is relevant to your case.

Retention
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift after orthodontic treatment. Wearing retainers consistently at the end of treatment is essential to maintaining your results. Retainer wear is typically required long-term.

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IV Sedation — Important Information

IV sedation is administered by a visiting medical doctor with additional training in sedation treatment. It is used to help patients feel deeply relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. Unlike general anaesthesia, IV sedation allows you to remain conscious and responsive throughout your appointment, though most patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards.

This information is intended to help you make an informed decision about whether IV sedation is right for you. It does not replace a consultation with your treating practitioners, during which your specific circumstances, medical history and suitability will be assessed and discussed in full.

We encourage you to ask questions, explore all available options, and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner if you'd like one.

Before your appointment
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for IV sedation. A thorough medical history review is required before sedation can be administered. Sedation may not be recommended if you:

• Have certain cardiovascular, respiratory or neurological conditions
• Are taking medications that may interact with sedation agents — including blood thinners, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or sleeping aids
• Have a known allergy or sensitivity to sedation agents or related medications
• Have a history of adverse reactions to sedation or anaesthesia
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have not fasted for the required period prior to your appointment — your care team will advise you on fasting requirements specific to your procedure

Please provide a complete and accurate medical history, including all current medications and supplements, before your appointment. Withholding this information increases the risk of complications.

How sedation is administered
A small cannula is inserted into a vein, typically in the back of your hand or forearm, through which the sedation medication is delivered. The level of sedation is carefully monitored and adjusted throughout your procedure by the administering medical doctor. Your oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored continuously.

During the procedure
IV sedation produces a state of deep relaxation. You will remain conscious and able to respond to instructions, but you are unlikely to feel anxious or distressed. Most patients have little or no memory of the procedure once the sedation wears off. You will not be in control of your physical responses in the way you normally would be, which is why careful monitoring is essential throughout.

Risks and possible side effects
IV sedation is a medical procedure and carries risks. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting during recovery — a common side effect that is carefully managed but cannot always be prevented
• Dizziness, light-headedness or disorientation upon waking
• Temporary drop in blood pressure or changes in heart rate
• Respiratory depression — a slowing of breathing that is monitored and managed by the administering doctor throughout the procedure
• Bruising, discomfort or inflammation at the cannula insertion site
• Prolonged drowsiness or grogginess following the procedure
• In rare cases, an allergic or adverse reaction to sedation agents — emergency protocols are in place at our practice to manage this
• In very rare cases, more serious cardiovascular or respiratory events — the risk is significantly higher in patients with undisclosed or unmanaged medical conditions

Individual responses to sedation vary. The risks associated with sedation are meaningfully increased by undisclosed medical conditions, certain medications, failure to fast as instructed, or consumption of alcohol in the period before your appointment.

Recovery: what to expect
Recovery from IV sedation takes time and varies between individuals. As a general guide:

• You will be monitored in the practice until the care team is satisfied it is safe for you to leave
• You must not drive, operate machinery or make any significant decisions for at least 24 hours following sedation — the effects of sedation can persist longer than they feel like they have
• You must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and remain with you for the remainder of the day — you will not be permitted to leave the practice alone
• Drowsiness, light-headedness and mild nausea are normal in the hours following your appointment
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours post-procedure
• Follow all post-procedure instructions provided by your care team carefully

Recovery timelines vary between individuals. Your care team will discuss what to expect for your specific circumstances before your appointment.

Rare reactions
A small number of patients experience an unexpected reaction to sedation agents or associated medications. Please inform us of all known allergies, current medications and any previous adverse reactions to sedation or anaesthesia before your appointment.

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