Understanding Dental Implants: Key Findings From a Questionnaire Study

Abstract
    Background: Dental implants have become a popular treatment option for replacing mis-sing teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of the Pondicherry population regarding dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth. 
Materials and methods: This study included 2,570 participants aged 18 and above who visited the outpatient department of a tertiary dental hospital in Pondicherry. The particip-ants received a self-explanatory questionnaire containing fifteen questions, which was distributed using Google Forms software and sent via email.
    Results: A total of 1,230 participants completed the questionnaire. Of these, 44.5% preferred dental implants for replacing missing teeth and acknowledged the crucial role of dentists in educating the public about implant therapy. Approximately 39.5% cited the relatively high cost of implants as a barrier to acceptance. Additionally, 57.3% of the participants viewed fixed replacements as advantageous, primarily for their aesthetics and improved functionality.
    Conclusion: Our study findings indicate that patients possessed knowledge about dental implant therapy and expressed willingness to consider them for replacing their missing teeth in the future. However, the relatively high cost emerged as a significant barrier to accepting implants. Ultimately, this study underscores the critical role of dentists in educating the public about the effectiveness of dental implants in treating tooth loss.
    Keywords: dental implant, general knowledge, awareness, attitude, web-based surveys, and questionnaire.