Dental professionals can follow the risk management tips listed below to help avoid implant placement negligence claims and provide their patients with the highest level of care.
1. Adhere to the standard of care: Follow recognized standards and guidelines for implant placement to ensure proper treatment.
2. Communicate effectively: Talk with patients about the procedure, including risks, benefits, and financial obligations to obtain informed consent.
3. Use proper technique: Use the appropriate methods and equipment to minimize the risk of implant failure or injury to surrounding structures.
4. Keep accurate records: Maintain complete and accurate records of the treatment plan, financial obligations, patient consent, and all procedure steps.
5. Continuously educate yourself: Stay current on the latest techniques and technology through continuing education and professional development. No practitioner should provide care that exceeds their competence, training, and experience level.
6. Have a contingency plan: Have a plan in place for addressing complications and unexpected outcomes and communicate this plan to patients.
Regarding Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying critical and at-risk anatomical structures, assessing bone density and quality, aiding in treatment planning, and improving implant success rates. The decision to utilize CBCT should depend on individual patient factors and clinical judgment while considering the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. Furthermore, practitioners should follow established standards and guidelines when employing CBCT for implant placement and ensure that patients are thoroughly informed to provide informed consent.
When to Refer Patients to a Specialist
General dentists can perform implant placement procedures; however, there are specific cases where referring the patient to a specialist may be advisable. For instance, dentists should consider referring a patient to a specialist for implant placement in the following situations:
1. Complex cases: Cases involving significant bone loss, limited bone volume, or complicated anatomical structures may require a specialist's expertise.
2. Medical complications: Patients with complex medical histories or taking certain medications may require a specialist to manage their care.
3. Patient preference: Some patients might prefer treatment from a specialist or have specific needs that a specialist is better suited to address.
4. Limited experience: Dentists with limited experience in implant placement might refer patients to a specialist to ensure the best outcomes and shift the risk away from their office.
Note: Certain State Boards are mandating new educational minimums for dentists to be authorized to place implants. Be aware of your State Board’s requirements.
Risks of Improper Planning
Avoid implant placement without careful diagnosis and treatment planning. Improperly placed implants can lead to:
These issues can lead to compromised outcomes, excessive expenses, patient dissatisfaction, and potential legal ramifications.
Minimize Your Risk and Provide the Best Care
Implant therapy demands meticulous pre-treatment planning, self-awareness of professional limits, and detailed record-keeping. Successful outcomes depend on thorough diagnosis, meticulous pre-treatment planning, patient involvement, and adherence to documented protocols. Always remember to accept your limits and know your patient’s unique needs.
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The information contained on the DentistCare Blog does not establish a standard of care, nor does it constitute legal advice. The information is for general informational purposes only. We encourage all blog visitors to consult with their personal attorneys for legal advice, as specific legal requirements may vary from state to state. Links or references to organizations, websites, or other information is for reference use only and do not constitute the rendering of legal, financial, or other professional advice or recommendations. All information contained on the blog is subject to change.