Iatrogenic damage in implant dentistry

OBJECTIVES Once rare, the incidence of dental liability claims has grown in recent years. The rise may be due to both the increase in the number of dental treatments and the higher expectations patients have as technologies continue to advance. This work aims to highlight the constant rise in claims filed by dental patients in Italy, with particular attention to the controversies related to implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors carry out an analysis of 58 cases filed in the past 10 years regarded dental services. RESULTS In descending order of frequency, the disputes regarded services for dental prosthetics, extractions, orthodontics, endodontics, bone surgery, and conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS Key factors contributing to treatment success are accurate patient selection, adequate evaluation for implant and preprosthetic surgery, and correct surgical technique. Based on the findings from this case series and given the peculiarities of implant dentistry, evaluation of professional error and culpable error should be performed by claims specialists with expertise in forensic dentistry. Evaluation is often hampered by incomplete or lack of records documenting the procedures the dentist performed during the lengthy and often complex course of treatment; it is only through accurate record keeping that it can be reasonably demonstrated that the dental services provided were technically adequate and respected the patient's rights.