Knowledge, Awareness, & Attitude towards Implant Therapy for Replacing Missing Teeth: A Cross Sectional Survey from Northern West Bengal, India

Abstract

Aims: The purpose is to assess the awareness, knowledge & attitude towards implant therapy for replacing missing teeth. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Dentistry of Malda Medical College & Hospital, Malda, West Bengal, over a period of July 2019 to July 2021. A total of 1200 partial or complete edentulous patient, age above 15 years were selected. A standardized 9 close ended questions were asked to patients. The data were collected in tabular form and statistically analyzed by Chi-Square test. Results: We found that 22.83% (274) were aware about dental implant therapy, among them male were 13%(156) and female were 9.83%(118). The difference between male and female awareness were statistically highly significant (p<.001). The major source of information regarding implant was dentist (55.83%). Only 8.08% (97) were interested in implant therapy in near future, among them 5.08%(61) male and 3%(36) were female. The difference were statistically non significant (p=0.62). Major reason for not opting implant therapy was high cost (32.76%). Conclusion: Within limitation of the study we concluded very less awareness (22.83%) regarding implant therapy among the Malda Population. So there is need for bringing more awareness program brought by various Government & Public organization to educate the general population