Abstract:
Objective: This research was aimed to assess the awareness and attitude regarding implant-retained prosthesis as the most
advanced option for tooth replacement amongst residents of Karachi visiting tertiary care centre.
Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the department of Prosthodontics at Bahria University Dental
Hospital, Karachi. Undertaking the demographic characteristics of patients, the objective was to determine the awareness
and attitude toward implant supported prosthesis.
Results: Amongst 380 responses retrieved, 9.8% of respondents were aware about the dental implant treatment. While
correlating awareness with demographics features, awareness statistically increased with educational level (p= 0.00) and
occupational category(p=0.01) of the participants. The friends and relative s(40.5%) were the main source of information
regarding dental implant treatment modality. 54.1% were unwilling to undergo treatment with dental implant whereas high
cost (55.2%)was the major limiting factor for implant treatment. 64.9% demanded dental insurance for getting the treatment.
45.9% had no knowledge regarding maintenance of implant supported prosthesis .73.0% had no idea regarding longevity
of dental implant where as 86.5% were unaware of it’s impact on systemic health.
Conclusion: The overall awareness regarding implant supported prosthesis was found to be minimal. This underlines the
need of efforts and measures that should be made to raise the awareness and thus alter attitude towards dental implant
therapy. Expensive rates (55.2%) was found to be the major limiting factor that should be relieved in the form of health
insurance policies, especially in the developing countries like ours.