Dental Implant Awareness Among Patients

Background: Dental Implants are one of the most recent effective treatment methods to replace teeth in edentulous patients. Even though its been approximately 40 years since implantology came into existence, majority of the South Indians aren't aware about what implants are and it's benefits. This research is about how iPad applications have an impact in promoting and educating edentulous patients about implants and to determine whether patients are actually aware of this treatment. Aim: To assess the patient awareness and acceptance of dental Implants as a treatment option for replacement of missing teeth. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted based on a printed self explanatory questionnaire on patients approaching a private dental college in South India. A pilot test was done on 50 patients to evaluate the efficiency of the questionnaire. The questionnaire composed of 12questionsThe responses were collected and analysed. Results: 58% of the subjects are aware of dental implants as a treatment option, but they chose other treatment methods due to high cost(67%), It needed a surgery(10%), fear (14%), time consuming(9%), While the other 42% were aware only of complete denture and fixed partial denture. The knowledge about implants is mainly obtained through their Personal dentist(52%), while media and social circle had a minor role. Conclusion: The study inferred the major drawbacks for opting implant treatment was its high cost and the fear of a surgery. More innovative and rigorous methods of education would really help patients understand the benefits of implant treatment and help them attain proper aesthetics and a long lasting solution.