Awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of dental implants among the geriatric population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Selection of Dental Implants and Restorations Among Dentists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-Based Survey

Background Dental implants play a crucial role in modern dentistry, offering a durable and aesthetic option for tooth replacement. Understanding the preferences and practices of dentists regarding implant selection and restoration can provide critical insights into current trends and potential areas for improvement. As such, the objective of this study was to discover characteristics determining the selection criteria and preferences for dental implants and restorations among Saudi Arabian dentists. Methodology A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among Saudi Arabian dentists to assess their practices and preferences for dental implant selection and restoration. The survey explored variables, including age, gender, educational status, regional practice distribution, implant-related experience, loading protocols, and implant system preferences. Results A total of 742 dental professionals responded to our questionnaire. The study revealed that a significant majority of Saudi Arabian dentists had placed (78.7%) and restored (72.9%) implants. Most dentists (78.6%) had participated in implant treatment planning. However, consistent usage of implant planning software was relatively low (29.8%). Loading protocol preferences varied, with early loading favored for anterior teeth and immediate loading for posterior teeth and edentulous patients. The main deterrents to immediate loading were patient type (27.0%), lack of training (19.9%), additional surgeries (19.9%), and administrative restrictions (17.8%). Straumann was the most preferred implant system, with aesthetic outcomes considered the most important factor in system selection. Conclusions The study provides a comprehensive overview of dental implant practices among Saudi Arabian dentists. It highlights a strong emphasis on aesthetic outcomes, a diverse approach to loading protocols, and room for increased usage of implant planning software. The findings suggest potential areas for further training and support, particularly in the use of immediate loading and implant planning software.

Perception, sentiments, and the level of awareness toward the dental implant among general population in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq

BACKGROUND

Edentulism is one of the most commonly encountered conditions affecting the oral cavity. Dental implants have emerged as a widely accepted treatment option prosthodontically. However, lack of public awareness and the cost of the treatment act as barriers to limit their applicability.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the perception, sentiments, and level of awareness toward dental implants among the general population in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 1132 participants in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq, from February 15, 2023, till August 15, 2023, to collect their sociodemographic data, knowledge and attitudes toward dental implants for their missing tooth/teeth.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 41.3 ± 14.6 years, and most (30.7%) belong to the age group 31-44 years. Also, most of them were males (63.6%), married (75.3%), educated (91.3%), from rural areas (82.3%), and had > 1 missing tooth (75%). Regarding the participants' knowledge of dental implants, most had information (78.4%)/heard about it (83.3%), mainly from dentists (43.6%); however, least of them (21.5%) /their family members (43%) had replaced missing teeth by dental implants. Additionally, the participant's attitudes toward the dental implant indicated that most of them were interested in replacing their missing teeth (88.8%) but did not do it due to financial reasons (87%) and considered replacement as a significant (92.5%) and safe process (79.2%). Also, most of them thought there was no substantial difference between artificial and natural tooth appearance/function (47.9%), preferred the delayed implant for dental implant (47.7%), and would like to do an implant due to problems in dental appearance, speech, or dental function (81.5%). Finally, significant/highly significant differences were seen between each participant's factor (age, gender, marital status, education level, and residency) with most items of attitude/awareness toward dental implants.

CONCLUSIONS

Most participants were aware of the knowledge and attitude of dental implants for replacing missing tooth/teeth, especially males, married ones, educated individuals, and those from urban areas; however, financial problems are the main obstacle. Additionally, the delayed implant is preferable for replacing missing tooth/teeth using dental implants among studied individuals.

The Digital Era Heralds a Paradigm Shift in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The transformation of dental practice from conventional methods to digital technology has been widely discussed. This study aimed to examine the awareness, understanding, and attitudes towards the use of digital technology in dentistry, with a particular focus on computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a questionnaire distributed to a diverse group of participants from the dental field. The questionnaire covered aspects of digital technology in dentistry, including awareness, perceived usefulness, understanding of CAD/CAM technology, perceived benefits and shortcomings, system awareness, and the impact on clinical decision-making. Results Almost all participants (99.3%) reported being aware of digital technology in dentistry. The perceived utility of digital technology varied widely, but it was considered particularly useful for specific dental procedures. Most of the respondents (948 out of 953) were aware of CAD/CAM technology, and many acknowledged its benefits, including fewer appointments, less chairside time, and greater precision. However, high cost, lack of knowledge, and preference for traditional methods were identified as barriers to adoption. Most participants believed that CAD/CAM would influence clinical decision-making and expressed interest in integrating it into their regular workflow. A majority had attended CAD/CAM training programs and believed there was a need to increase education on CAD/CAM during undergraduate and postgraduate courses. While a significant majority agreed that digital technology was the future of dentistry, a substantial number also expressed reservations. Conclusion The study concluded that there is a high level of awareness and readiness to adopt digital technology in dentistry. However, its perceived utility varied among participants, and several barriers to adoption were identified, indicating the need for expanded education and training. Despite some resistance, there is a growing recognition of the potential benefits of CAD/CAM technology and a trend towards integrating it into regular practice.

Factors Affecting the Choice of Implant Specialists Among the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Patients are frequently exposed to misleading information about dental implants on social media or from dental marketing businesses. Patients' selection of an implant specialist for placing dental implants may vary due to several factors, including cost, social media, dentist qualification, and previous patient experience. Objective This study aims to assess and evaluate the factors that influence the choice of implant specialist in the Saudi population. Materials and methods The data were collected from 625 participants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2023 to April 2023. The study targeted males and females over 20 years old living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and excluded those under 20 years old or not living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results The dentist's qualification (80.2%), dental implant cost (77.3%), and clinic or hospital (68.2%) were the most frequently agreed-upon factors for selecting an implant specialist. The study found that 13.7% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that social media could influence the choice of an implant specialist. Among females, those with higher educational levels, middle-income groups, and those who had ever replaced a missing tooth, the importance of a dentist's specialty to perform a dental implant increased significantly. Conclusion Different factors contributed to the selection of an implant specialist among the population, with dentist qualification followed by dental implant cost being the most commonly discussed factors in the study.