Trends, Awareness, and Attitudes of Patients Towards Replacement of Missing Teeth in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: These days, individuals seem to have more expectations regarding their dental health compared to the past. There are various treatment options available for the replacement of missing teeth and associated structures, which include removable prosthesis, fixed prosthesis, and implant supported prosthesis. Most of the patients require aesthetics and functional comforts with prosthodontic treatment and it can be easily achieved with dental implants and tooth coloured restorations and prostheses. Aim: To assess the trends, awareness, and attitude of patients towards replacement of missing teeth in western region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among the 20-60 years aged population of Western region of Saudi Arabia from 1st December 2018 to 1st March 2019. A questionnaire consisting of 11 close ended, pre-tested questions was developed to determine patients’ attitude and need with regard to their dental prosthesis. The data were tabulated and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Chi-square test was used to assess the attitude and awareness among the patients towards replacement of missing teeth. The p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 350 patients; 162 males (46.3%) and 188 females (53.7%). Among the participants, 233 (66.60%) of them desired fixed treatment and 115 (33.40%) of them desired removable treatment. Treatment options explained by clinicians were as follows: 67 (19.1%) were suitable for Fixed Partial Denture (FPD)/dental Implant, 11 (3.1%) suitable for FPD, Removable Partial Denture (RPD) and dental Implant and 272 (77.7%) of them suitable for RPD and dental Implant. A total of 67 (19.1%) of them opted for FPD, 115 (32.9%) of them opted for RPD and 168 (48.0%) of them opted for dental Implant. Conclusion: Awareness and attitude of the participants towards prosthodontics treatment were mostly high. Majority of the participants wanted to replace missing teeth for mastication and aesthetics and had favourable knowledge and attitude towards implant as a mode of treatment for replacement of missing teeth. Participants preferred fixed treatment over removable.

Keywords

• dental implant
• fixed prosthesis
• partial dentate
• prosthetic options