Patients' perception about dental implant and bone graft surgery: A questionnaire-based survey

Abstract

Introduction: The decision toward dental implant – an elective procedure in most cases depends on patients' preferences, values, as well as cost considerations. Patients' participation and codetermination, as well as realistic patient expectations, have been associated with improved subjective treatment outcomes, and health professionals are increasingly encouraged to involve their patients in treatment decisions. However, scientific data on patient expectations and motivation to choose or refuse dental implants are scarce. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess perception about the dental implant and bone graft surgery among patients seeking dental implants. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was carried out in OPD of Dental College, Aligarh. One hundred and twenty patients participated in this study. The patients were asked to answer a questionnaire on implant and bone graft surgery including cost and time concerns and second-opinion behavior. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the different variables, and absolute frequencies and percentages were evaluated. A value of P< 0.05 was selected as the threshold for statistical significance. Results: The highest priority was given to treatment predictability and avoidance of the removable dentures by the patients. On an average, the total treatment time was estimated to be 6 months. Patients' opinion regarding 10-year implant success rate was 81%. Autologous bone grafts was accepted by 61% of interviewees (the majority preferring the retromolar area). Young patients, especially males showed higher second opinion-seeking behavior. Conclusions: There is a growing interest in patients' perspectives and expectations of dental implants and bone graft surgeries. Patient expectations on implant success and predictability were found to be high.

Keywords

• Bone graft
• implant
• perception
• satisfaction