Implant recommendation as a replacement option after tooth loss for periodontal reasons.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of implant recommendation by general dental practitioners to patients who had extractions as a result of periodontal disease and factors that influenced their decisions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dentists in each of 20 general dental practice centers in Kuwait were asked to document replacement options given to patients after all tooth extractions performed for periodontal reasons within a 30-day period. The association of demographic and medical/dental history variables with the decision to recommend an implant was statistically tested.

RESULTS

A total of 711 patients with a mean age +/- of 47.34 +/- 0.45 years (range 18-96) had 2202 teeth extracted for periodontal reasons during the study period. Only 21 implants for 12 patients were offered as a replacement option (1.7%). Factors significantly associated with a less likelihood of implant recommendation included older age, male gender, diabetes mellitus, inadequate compliance with regular periodontal maintenance visits, inadequate oral hygiene practices, and anterior tooth types (P < 0.05; chi test).

CONCLUSION

Dental implants were rarely recommended to patients losing their teeth for periodontal reasons by general dentists in Kuwait.