Awareness of dental implants as a treatment choice in urban Indian populations.

PURPOSE Replacement of missing or lost teeth with dental prostheses supported by oral implants has been accepted and received positive evaluations from patients who have undergone implant treatment. A nationwide survey from a representative sample of the general Indian urban population was made to assess public awareness of oral implant treatment and determine sources of information about implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey of 10,000 urban dwellers of India was conducted through a printed questionnaire that was supplied to patients in private clinics and dental hospitals across the country and completed by willing patients. Questionnaires were printed in local languages to enable completion. RESULTS Of the 10,000 people asked about their awareness of oral implants as a treatment option for rehabilitation of missing teeth, only 2,324 (23.24%) had heard of oral implants as a treatment modality, whereas 7,676 (76.76%) had not. Most of them (9,623, or 96.23%) felt that dental insurance coverage was needed for dental implant treatment and 3.77% thought that insurance was not needed. CONCLUSION The survey concluded that only 23.24% of the Indian urban population had heard of dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth, with dentists being the main source of information.