K. Al-Shammari, A. Al-Khabbaz, Mohammad H Akar
Mar 1, 2006
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Influential Citations
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Quality indicators
Journal
Implant Dentistry
Abstract
Purpose:The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of implant recommendation by general dental practitioners to patients who had extractions as a result of periodontal disease and factors that influenced their decisions. Materials and Methods:Dentists in each of 20 general dental practice centers in Kuwait were asked to document replacement options given to patients after all tooth extractions performed for periodontal reasons within a 30-day period. The association of demographic and medical/dental history variables with the decision to recommend an implant was statistically tested. Results:A total of 711 patients with a mean age ± of 47.34 ± 0.45 years (range 18–96) had 2202 teeth extracted for periodontal reasons during the study period. Only 21 implants for 12 patients were offered as a replacement option (1.7%). Factors significantly associated with a less likelihood of implant recommendation included older age, male gender, diabetes mellitus, inadequate compliance with regular periodontal maintenance visits, inadequate oral hygiene practices, and anterior tooth types (P < 0.05; &khgr;2 test). Conclusion:Dental implants were rarely recommended to patients losing their teeth for periodontal reasons by general dentists in Kuwait.