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

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.