Evaluating Adult Patients’ Knowledge,Attitude, and Perception of Dental Implantsas a Treatment Modality for Missing Teeth
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Abstract
Introduction: Tooth loss negatively impacts oral function and quality of life, often leading to psychological and
physical issues. Multiple treatment options exist, including fixed prostheses, removable prostheses, and overdentures.
Dental implants provide superior functionality and long-term success compared to other alternatives. Despite their
advantages and increasing clinical use, public awareness and acceptance remain limited. Objectives: The objective
of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of individuals with missing teeth toward dental
implants, and to explore the influencing factors for accepting dental implants over other prosthetic treatment options.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and December 2025. A diverse
sample of Saudi participants aged 18 and above from all provinces was included. Individuals under 18 and dental
professionals were excluded from the study. The minimum sample size of 384 was determined using Raosoft
software, with a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error. Results: A total of 784 participants completed the
survey. The majority were female (75.9%), with a mean age of 35.9 years. Despite 97.6% reporting awareness
of dental implants, only 11.6% demonstrated high knowledge. The most significant sources of information were
dentists (50.4%) and social media (17.7%). The primary barriers to choosing implants included cost (6.5%), fear
of surgery (6.5%), and lack of knowledge (55.1% could not identify implant material). Statistically significant
associations were found between knowledge and age, marital status, residential area, education, and occupation (all
P < 0.05). Attitudes toward implants were generally low, and only 16.6% of participants had received an implant.
Conclusion: While awareness of dental implants is high among Saudi adults, gaps in detailed knowledge and
attitude persist. Financial barriers, insufficient education, and uncertainty about procedure and longevity impede
implant acceptance. Comprehensive patient education and addressing socioeconomic barriers are recommended to
enhance informed decision-making regarding tooth replacement.
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