Patient awareness, acceptance and perceived cost of dental Implants as a treatment modality for replacement of missing teeth: A survey in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack

Abstract

Background : There is lack of information regarding the patient’s awareness of dental implants especially in eastern India. Objective(s) : To assess the patient awareness, acceptance and perceived cost of dental Implants as a treatment modality for replacement of missing teeth in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Materials and Methods : A cross sectional survey was conducted among the patients visiting the various dental out patient departments of hospitals and private dental clinics of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack using a self-explanatory questionnaire. Results : A total of 723 patients (aged 15 – 86 years; mean age 39.25±14.02 years) participated in the survey. The results of this survey indicate that only 15.91% of the patients knew about dental implants. The patient’s local dentist was the main source of information regarding the dental implant treatment modality followed by print and electronic media. About 71.23% patients disproved the removable prosthesis as replacement for missing teeth. A majority of them (60.44%) expressed that treatment was unaffordable. The cost and associated surgery was a major disadvantage and deterrent to this modality. However they were willing to know more about the dental implant treatment modality. Conclusion: The results of this survey among patients attending dental hospitals and private dental clinics showed that the majority of the patients were largely unaware about using dental implants as a treatment modality for replacing missing teeth in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.