Dental Implants Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients’ Knowledge and Awareness
Rana AL Amri *
Intern at School of Dentistry, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Samah Saker
Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This cross sectional study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude among partially dentate patients visiting dental clinic regarding to dental implant as a modality of treatment.
Methodology: A total of 114 adult dental patients (52 men, 62 women; age range 18-80 years) were recruited for this study. Printed standardized self explanatory questionnaire were handed to the patients during their dental visits and informed consent was taken from all participants. Data collected using validated and reliable self- explanatory questionnaire were analyzed using simple descriptive and analytical analysis.
Results: Patients' awareness about dental implant among 114 participants showed that 36.6% of the study sample were aware about complete denture as alternatives treatment when compared to fixed partial denture, while 28.1% (54.5%) of the participants were well informed about the dental implant, most of them were in the age group (21-40) years. Dentists followed by the media and friends were the main sources of dental information. High cost was the main factor prevented 32.5% of the participant from selecting the dental implant when needed.
Conclusion: Knowledge about dental implant therapy should be improved through different educational channels.
Keywords: Dental implant, awareness, alternatives treatment, knowledge