Dentist Dilemmas on Replacing Single Missing Teeth; Implant versus Fixed Partial Denture – A Survey among Practicing Dentists

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Dental implant and fixed bridges are the common and acceptable means of prosthetic restoration of missing tooth. Although each is a viable treatment option, the implant restoration has definite advantages. A major shortcoming of the fixed bridge is the significant tooth reduction of the abutments. This study aimed to know the reasons that make some dentists choose a dental bridge in the edentulous area with adjacent sound teeth over the implant in cases suitable for implant. Materials and Methods: An observational questionnaire study was conducted between January and May 2022. An online questionnaire was sent to qualified dentists practicing in different cities of Saudi Arabia. Absolute frequencies were used to describe the data. Results: A total of 602 dentists received the questionnaire, and 430 responded, resulting in a response rate of 71.7%. The majority of responders (98%) recommended implant as a first choice to replace missing tooth when both implant and fixed bridge can be used in case of sound abutments. However, they mentioned factors such as cost of treatment, patient wishes, and patient’s medical condition act as an obstacle or difficulty to support their use of the implant in some cases. Conclusions: More efforts should be done to encourage dentists to select appropriate treatment option of proven scientific basis without any bias. Patients should be given more information about the advantages of implant over fixed partial denture and should be motivated. Finally, more support from implant companies should be encouraged as well as more knowledge and skill about implant dentistry should be gives during undergraduate courses.