Assessment of Edentulous Patients’ Knowledge and Awareness of Treatment Options With and Without Dental Implants

Authors : Alanur Çiftçi Şişman, Elifnur Güzelce Sultanoğlu, Güneş Deniz Tekiz, Bedirhan Dökülmez, Berk Yüzbaşıoğlu

Pages : 175-183

Doi:10.34084/bshr.1782031

View : 86 | Download : 162

Publication Date : 2025-12-20

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background and Aims: To assess the knowledge and awareness levels of edentulous patients regarding both dental implant-supported and non-implant treatment options. Methods: A total of 190 adults with complete edentulism, from both sexes, were included using a criterion sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, developed de novo by the authors, consisting of 19 multiple-choice, closed-ended questions. Each item employed a five-point rating scale, ranging from ‘strongly disagree’ to ‘strongly agree’ and from ‘very aware’ to ‘not aware at all.’ The validation process was conducted using Lawshe’s Content Validity Index (CVI). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze socio-demographic data. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square tests across variables such as age, sex, education level, denture use, and duration of edentulism. Fisher’s exact test and Z-tests were used where appropriate. Results: Participants had a median age of 65 years, and 55.3% were female. Awareness of dental treatment options was generally limited; 45.2% lacked knowledge of implant-supported options. No significant differences in knowledge and awareness were found based on demographic factors (p > .05). However, individuals with only primary education and those without dentures were more likely to be unaware. Additionally, older participants (aged 71 and above) showed greater uncertainty about the surgical requirements of implant-supported options. Conclusion: Awareness of dental prosthetic options, particularly dental implants, was generally low among edentulous adults, especially those with lower education levels and without dentures. Targeted educational efforts are needed to improve understanding of implant-based treatments and support informed decision-making in this population.
Keywords : Dental implant, Edentulizm, İmplant Destekli Dental Protez, Ağız Sağlığı

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