Researchers issue recommendations to decrease the risk of nerve damage caused by dental implants

June 20, 2012
Findings from a recent case review, published in the British Dental Journal, of dental implant patients who were referred to a specialist nerve injury clinic have resulted in recommendations for clinicians to improve practices that will lead to greater success of the dental implant procedure as well as reduce risks.

Experts from King’s College London warn that cases of permanent nerve damage caused by dental implants could rise further if steps are not taken to address risks and prevent injury.

Researchers from the King’s College London Dental Institute carried out a case review of 30 dental implant patients who were referred to a specialist nerve injury clinic at King’s College Hospital, part of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. The findings, published today in the British Dental Journal, reveal that patient consent and information, preoperative planning, and appropriate postoperative referral were inadequate in this patient group. The team has used these findings to make recommendations for clinicians to improve practices that will lead to greater success of the dental implant procedure as well as reduce risks.

Click here to read more about the study and a list of recommendations for successful dental implants from MedicalXpress.com.