ABSTRACT
Implant-supported prosthesis improves the self-confidence and quality of life of the patient by giving them masticatory comfort and a high level of satisfaction. For any professional community, it is essential to know whether patients feel well informed and whether what they know reflects on the current advances in dental health care. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental implants as a treatment choice in patients visiting a dental college situated in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 13 close-ended questions was used to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among patients visiting prosthodontics outpatient department regarding dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth. A total of 242 participants were interviewed to collect the required data. Chi-square test was used to study the association between demographic variables and awareness about implantation. Results: Only 17.8% of the population with missing teeth knew about dental implants as a treatment choice. For 69.8% of the population, the source of information regarding prosthetic options was through friends and relatives, and for 28.1%, it was from dentists. Awareness percentage was significantly higher among males (P = 0.024) and among those whose education level was graduation and above (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that knowledge and awareness regarding dental implants was disturbingly low. The patients had a very minimal and superficial knowledge regarding prosthetic options. Emphasis is placed on the need for conducting and implementing various public awareness campaigns and for establishing counseling centers.
ABSTRACT
Atrophic Rhinitis is a form of chronic rhinitis in which the nasal mucosa atrophies and hardens; eventually causing the nasal passages to dilate and dry out. Other prominent findings include foul smelling crusts and bleeding. Despite various local, medical and surgical methods suggested for the treatment of this slowly progressing disease, the problem with respect to the proper maintenance of the nasal valve area remains unsolved. The alar stent prevents the narrowing of the nostrils and helps in maintaining the airway patency. This article describes a simplified, non-invasive technique for the fabrication of a heat polymerized clear acrylic resin alar stent for treating the atrophic rhinitis patient.