Patient knowledge about dental implants and their expectations prior to implant installation

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Lecturer of Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to clarify the level and source of information, and the patient’s expectations about implant dentistry prior to treatment. Materials and methods: Questionnaires were used to collect data regarding implant dentistry from 155 dental patients before receiving their dental implants. Results: Out of the 155 dental patients, 83.7% need more information about dental implants. Friends and/ or family were the main source of information for 41% of the questioned patients, followed by the dentist for 31.5% of them. 54.2% of the participants were willing to undergo the treatment if needed, and 43.4% cited high cost as the main reason for refusal of the treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that public awareness and acceptance of implant treatment were moderate.  This awareness was limited to general information, and there is a need for more awareness about dental implants. Friends and/ or family were the most common source for patients` information. Dentists should play a role in promoting community awareness about dental implants as they are becoming a more popular treatment modality. Keywords: dental implants, knowledge, cost, patient information, patient expectations.

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