Dental patients’ awareness and knowledge in using dental implants as an option in replacing missing teeth: A survey in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this survey was to assess the level, sources, and need for information about dental implants among a selected sample of dental patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients' knowledge and awareness in using dental implants as an option in replacing missing teeth were evaluated through a standardized self- explanatory questionnaire distributed in two places in Riyadh: Military Hospital and College of Dentistry, King Saud University (Darraiyah campus). The questionnaires were handed to the patients during their regular dental visits. A total of 379 subjects were included in this survey. The results of this study indicate that 66.4% of the subjects knew about dental implants. The subjects' friends and their relatives were the main source of information about dental implants for 31.5% of the subjects, and dentists were the secondary source for 28.3% of the sample. About 82.4% of the subjects need more information about dental implants and 85.2% of them chose the dentist to be the desired source for such information, followed by the internet in 28.5% of the cases. Almost 74.4% of those surveyed did not know if their regular dentists use dental implants. High cost was the major factor in preventing patients from choosing implants in 86.5% of the cases while the long treatment time and fear of surgery was the factor in 71% and 68.6% of the subjects, respectively. The results of this survey showed an acceptable level of awareness about dental implants among a selected sample of dental patients in Riyadh. It also showed the need for providing more general and accurate information to the patients about this treatment modality.