A Survey On Dental Implant Loading Among Undergraduate Dental Students

Modern dentistry has witnessed a speedy and continued evolution. Regarding the implant-rehabilitation protocols, they have been redefined so as to satisfy patient's increasing expectations in terms of comfort, aesthetic and shorter treatment amount. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and awareness on dental implant loading among undergraduates in a private dental college. The study was conducted in a private dental college, Chennai. The study group consisted of undergraduate dental students. Total number of studies included in the study was 200. There were 12 questions to assess their knowledge, and attitude towards dental implants loading. The data from their response were entered in the excel sheets. The collected data were coded, entered in microsoft excel 2013 and descriptive analysis carried out. Out of 200 participants, about 119% of them are aware about dental implants and its various systems involved and 116% are aware that implant loading is a prosthesis connected to dental implants after implant placement. Only 107% of them gave positive response regarding the three implant loading protocols and 93% gave negative response. Among the 3 loading protocols 106% of the students preferred conventional loading, 52% preferred early loading and only 42% preferred immediate loading. About 126% are unaware that immediate implant is done within 48 hours of implant placement. About 123% of students are aware that early loading is done between 1 week and 2 months and 140% of students are aware that the conventional loading is done after a healing period of 3-6 months. 117% of students are unaware that implant loading also influences the success rate of dental implants. From the study, it is observed that there is limited knowledge and awareness about implant loading protocols among the undergraduate dental students, though their knowledge and awareness about implants are appreciable. Continuing education programs and refreshing courses regarding dental implant loading are necessary to update the knowledge of dental students and practitioners. However, the knowledge acquired must be implemented in their daily practice and provide the better treatment required for the patients.