Implantodontia e responsabilidade profissional: análise de sentenças do tribunal de justiça de São Paulo

Abstract

Implant dentistry is one of the fastest-growing areas in dentistry; however, it is also among the specialties with the highest number of legal disputes arising from therapeutic complications and treatment failures. Identifying risk factors and the main reasons that lead to litigation is essential to guide safe clinical practice. Objective: To conduct a narrative literature review to identify the main factors associated with complications and failures in dental implants, and to analyze ethical and legal aspects related to the civil liability of dentists. Methods: A narrative review was carried out based on scientific articles, official documents, and judicial decisions/rulings published between 2019 and 2025, selected for their relevance to the topics of dental implants, complications, civil liability, and legal proceedings. Results: The most frequent complications include biomechanical failures, peri-implant infections, aesthetic problems, occlusal overload, and inadequate treatment planning. The literature highlights risk factors such as uncontrolled systemic conditions, poor oral hygiene, smoking, lack of periodic follow-up, and insufficient communication between professional and patient. In the judicial cases analyzed, the main issues identified were inadequate documentation, absence of the Informed Consent Form (ICF), and discrepancies between the patient’s expectations and the treatment outcome. Conclusion: The prevention of failures in implant dentistry depends on careful technical execution, accurate diagnosis, individualized planning, and complete documentation of all clinical stages. Additionally, compliance with ethical standards, proper use of the ICF, and transparent communication with patients are essential to reduce clinical risks and minimize the occurrence of legal disputes.