Lingual paresthesia following the surgical placement of implants does not occur frequently. When it does occur, a serious problem may result for the practitioner, especially if the patient has not been informed of the risk before surgery. This report emphasizes the importance of practitioner experience and competence. It also addresses the need for knowledge of the course of the lingual nerve and preoperative planning of implant placement in the mandible. Keywords: implantology, lingual nerve, mandible, paresthesia