Knowledge, perception and choice of dental implants as a treatment option for patients visiting the university college of dentistry, Lahore - Pakistan

ABSTRACT

This study was done to assess the awareness about dental implant treatment to patients visiting the University College of dentistry, Lahore. Pakistan. It was a survey which employed a pre-existing questionnaire. The pre-existing questionnaire was in English but each question was translated into Urdu by the surveyors. It included 6 questions regarding patient knowledge about dental implants treatment, source of information, evaluation of satisfaction, willingness to get treatment and the need for insurance. All patients aged 16 years and above [random sampling] visiting University College of dentistry, Lahore were approached and invited to participate in the study. 181 participated in the survey, 69 were male and 112 females. Only 72[39.8%] of the respondents had heard of the method whereas 109 [60.2%] had never heard of the treatment method. Dentists were the major source of information about dental implants [65.2%]. Over 90% of the respondents thought dental implant treatment was very good or good. When given an option for treatment with dental implants willingness to get treatment 80[44.1%] were definite to get dental implant treatment, 66[36.4%] thought they would most likely get dental implant treatment. 93% of the respondents were of the opinion that insurance coverage should be provided. Awareness about dental implants in this sample population was very poor. Awareness programs should be employed in this regard so that more and more individuals may enjoy the benefits of this treatment option