Assessing Patient Awareness and Attitude towards Prosthodontic Options for Missing Teeth: A Study Conducted at a Tertiary Care Dental Hospital in Islamabad

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge gap and the level of awareness about tooth replacement options, among patients visiting a Tertiary Care Dental Hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 patients with missing teeth at the Prosthodontic Department of a private Dental College in Islamabad from 10 April 2023 to 10 September 2023, by using convenience non-probability sampling. Upon obtaining informed consent from the participants, a comprehensive medical history was acquired, accompanied by a thorough examination of the oral cavity. Data collection involved querying the participants through a questionnaire designed for this study. SPSS version 23.0 was used to analyze data. Results: Half of the patients were knowledgeable about acrylic partial dentures and fixed partial dentures, while only 10% were aware about complete denture therapy. Awareness of dental implants was noted in only 5% of the patients, and awareness of cast removable partial dentures was as low as 1.8%. None of the patients had knowledge about immediate dentures and overdenture therapy. Conclusions: Patients visiting the dental college have a low level of awareness about prosthodontic treatment options.