Assessment of Awareness and Knowledge Regarding Dental Implants Among Adult Partially Edentulous Patients Attending a Dental Teaching Institution

BackgroundDental implants are a predictable and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth, offering superior functional and esthetic outcomes.However, successful acceptance of implant therapy largely depends on patients' knowledge and awareness.This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding dental implants among dental patients. Materials and methodsA hospital-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 5,000 partially edentulous dental patients aged ≥ 18 years attending the outpatient department of a dental teaching institution.Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling.A pretested structured questionnaire comprising 18 closed-ended questions assessed sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding dental implants.Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) using descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess factors associated with knowledge of dental implants. ResultsOf the 5,000 eligible participants, 4,700 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 94%).A history of tooth extraction was reported by 3,358 (71.4%) participants, with dental caries being the most common cause (1,805; 53.8%).Among those with missing teeth, 3,102 (92.4%) expressed a desire for tooth replacement, and 1,309 (42.2%) preferred dental implants.Awareness regarding dental implants was reported by 1,909 participants, while 1,193 were unaware of this treatment option.Most respondents perceived implant therapy as expensive, with 1,341 (28.5%) estimating the treatment cost to be ₹10,000-₹20,000 and 1,100 (23.4%) believing it exceeded ₹20,000 or varied by implant system.Regarding maintenance, 2,612 participants believed implants require different oral hygiene care than natural teeth, whereas 1,298 considered the maintenance requirements similar. ConclusionThe study demonstrated moderate awareness and a generally positive attitude toward dental implants among dental patients.Dentists were identified as the primary source of information, emphasizing their pivotal role in patient education.Improving public awareness, strengthening patient counseling, and reducing treatment costs through supportive health policies may enhance the acceptance of implant therapy.