Public awareness, knowledge, attitude and acceptance of dental implants as a treatment modality among patients visiting SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad.

BACKGROUND

The use of dental implants as a prosthetic treatment modality for partially edentulous or completely edentulous patients is increased more commonly ever since the concept of osseointegration has been accepted.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of dental implants as a treatment modality among patients visiting SDM Dental College, Dharwad.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 patients visiting SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital (SDMCDSH), Dharwad, using a self-explanatory questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 500 individuals participated in the survey. The results of this survey indicate that 93.4% of the patients knew about dental implants, and for majority of them, the major source of information was through their dentist followed by relatives and friends and electronic media. About 60.4% patients disapproved the removable prosthesis as an option for the replacement of missing teeth. 77.2% patients expressed that they could not afford for the dental implant treatment. The major deterioration for this treatment was related to the cost in 80.4% patients, surgical procedure in 11.6% patients, and a long treatment time in 5.6% patients. While 60.4% patients felt that dental implants being expensive, is the treatment option only for the rich.

CONCLUSION

The results of this survey showed that majority of the patients visiting SDMCDSH, Dharwad, were aware about dental implants as a treatment modality for the replacement of missing teeth. Although the attitude was positive and they did accept dental implants as a treatment option, the treatment cost mainly was the major reason to take a back step.