How to avoid legal problems in cases of nerve injury due to dental implants

Resumo

During the surgical and implant procedures, there
is considerable risk of injury to oral nerves. The dental surgeon
must recognize clinical signs of the main nerve lesions that might
occur following surgical or dental implant procedures, and take
the necessary precautions to prevent them. Objective: The aim of
this manuscript was to describe a legal case of clinical paresthesia
due to alveolar nerve compression following an implant placement,
revising the types of nerve lesions of surgical-implant etiology, and
advise the dental professional against clinical and legal flaws. Case
report: In this case, a female patient underwent oral rehabilitation,
including the placement of an osseointegrated implant in the lower
left first molar region. After the setting of the device, the patient
presented paresthesia on the left mentonian region and buccal mucosa
of elements 34, 33 and 32 and, dissatisfied with the situation, she
appealed to justice and requested the responsibility of the professional.
Conclusion: It is important to discuss that prevention continues to
be the key issue when it comes to avoiding clinical, ethical or legal
repercussions. Practicing adequate diagnosis and treatment planning
and conducting the necessary complementary exams are essential,
allied to previously patients’ signed consent.