Patients’ Maintenance Care towards Dental Implant as an Option for Replacement of Missing Teeth in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Nora Al-Nomay; Almubarak Khalid

Authors

Nora Al-Nomay Preventive Dental Science Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Almubarak, Ibtisam Khalid College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science; King Abdulaziz Medical Centre, Dental center, central region Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Keywords:

Missing Teeth, Dental Implant, Peri-Implant Tissue, Patients Maintenance Care

Abstract

Background: The adoption of dental implants is on rise as prevailing method of treatment for individuals with tooth loss due to its notable effectiveness. A pivotal element contributing to sustained achievement of dental implants is the ongoing upkeep of peri-implant tissues, encompassing both hard and soft components, over long term. The objective of study is to examine post-treatment care of patients who underwent dental implant procedures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on their adherence to dental practitioner recommendations.

Methods: A group of 711 individuals who underwent dental implant therapy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were selected. They were provided with self-administered questionnaires. Data wrangling and analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.

Results: Majority of participants were females, with >50 years comprising the most common age group. Majority had university-level education, employed, and non-smokers. Common comorbidity included systemic disease (76.79%). Implant-supported single tooth procedures were frequent and mainly in lower back. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons were predominant (50.21%). Satisfaction rates varied; 69.76% were content with prosthesis functionality. Opinions on aesthetics, chewing ability, and pain differed. Oral hygiene practices indicated toothbrush/paste usage (51.62%) and daily brushing (78.90%), favouring soft toothbrushes (75.39%). Instruction receipt from specialists was 40.93%, with 36.29% taught dental plaque revealer usage. Views on prevention and gingivitis management varied, with scaling every 6 months (48.38%) and dental hygiene supplement usage (64.14%) being common. Oral health education (50.63%) was prioritized.

Conclusion: This study underscores need for comprehensive dental care, particularly in cases involving systemic diseases and implant-supported procedures. While overall satisfaction with prosthesis functionality is positive, diverse opinions on aesthetics, chewing ability, and pain suggest a personalized approach to patient care. Strengthening oral hygiene education and plaque control guidance from specialists can enhance preventative measures.