KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR TREATMENT OF MISSING TEETH IN PATIENTS OF BAHADURGARH, HARYANA

BACKGROUND The goal of modern dentistry is to restore the patient to normal functions. In India, there is very limited use of Dental Implants by general population. The reason being lack of knowledge and awareness among the masses. Limited studies exist on assessing the knowledge and awareness regarding dental implant treatment options among patients who want replacement of missing teeth. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the knowledge and awareness towards the use of dental implants as the option for replacement of missing tooth/teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the patients visiting the OPD of Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, PDM Dental College and Research Institute, Bahadurgarh, Haryana, between the period of March 2015 to February 2016. The survey was conducted through printed self-explanatory questionnaire, which included 9 questions in English as well as in Hindi with the intention to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of dental implants among the rural and suburban population of Bahadurgarh, Haryana. RESULTS The present study gives information about patient's knowledge and awareness about dental implants for the treatment of missing teeth in Prosthodontic Department of PDM Dental College, Bahadurgarh, Haryana. Study population of all the age groups were selected for ease of access and to increase the response rate being the prosthodontic patients. CONCLUSION There is a need for more knowledge and awareness among general patients about dental implant treatment for missing teeth. This can be imparted by more dental education programme to enhance the level of understanding about merits of implant.