Awareness of dental implants among dental patients in Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of dental implant in Nigerian patients and their willingness to choose dental implant as a tooth replacement option

A survey was conducted among patients presenting for dental treatment in 3 teaching hospitals and private dental clinics in 3 urban cities of Nigeria using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 294 out of 325 questionnaires were returned completely filled.

39.8% of the respondents have knowledge of dental implants as tooth replacement option. 35% and 26.5% are willing to choose implant for replacement of missing anterior and posterior teeth respectively. Patients with high level of education are significantly better informed on implants as a method of tooth replacement. The major source of information is the dentist (41.5%) followed by friends (17.7%).

The level of awareness of dental implants was low despite the high level of education of the respondents. Willingness to choose implant as tooth replacement option was low due to high cost of dental implants and the need for surgery.

Keywords: dental implant, patient awareness, tooth replacement