In recent years, dental malpractice claims have increased dramatically worldwide. The purpose of the present study is to analyze claims related to orthodontic treatment involving periodontal problems that resulted in legal decisions in Israel. This study analyzed legal claims registered by Medical Consultants International (MCI) between 2005 and 2018. Only closed cases of orthodontic claims involving periodontal problems in which a decision was made were included. The parameters studied included patients’ demographic data, the main reasons of the claim, and complications. Statistical significance was found for aesthetic damage, which was more common in claims of females (p = 0.035) and in older claims (p = 0.004); tooth damage was more common in claims of older patients (p = 0.032); violation of autonomy was higher in private practice (p = 0.047) and in more recent claims (p = 0.001). As orthodontic treatment is becoming more popular in older patients, and as lawsuit claims become more common in recent years, the orthodontists should always analyze and document the periodontal status of their patients before and during treatment in order to maintain professional practice and avoid future claims.
Introduction
Dental implant placement is a routine practice in dentistry, with a possible uncommon risk of neurosensory injury. The present study analyzed all dental implant claims involving sensory nerve disturbances between 2005 and 2020 in Israel. The study was conducted to understand implant risk management better and improve the patient's safety.
Materials and methods
All legal claims registered by Medical Consultant International (MCI) involving nerve damage claims between 2005 and 2020 were included in the study. The data included demographic details such as age, sex, event date, claim delivery date, and treatment settings. Information on the nerve damage included the damaged nerve, side of injury, and the number of implants performed in the same surgery.
Results
There were 218 claims regarding nerve damage out of 1154 claims for dental implant therapy. The mean age for nerve damage claims was 54.1 ± 11 years.
There were more female than male claims (p = 0.02), with 87% of cases concerning damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (p < 0.0001), out of those molar areas being more frequently involved in nerve damage (64.3%, p < 0.0001).
The left side was 1.4 times more frequent than the right side (p = 0.043). The risk for nerve injury was 7.4 times higher when placing multiple implants compared to single dental implant (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Clinicians should be aware that placement of multiple implants, left‐side implant placement, and patient gender may increase risk for a malpractice claim for neurosensory disturbances.
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