title: Factors associated with implant recommendation for single-tooth replacement.
abstract: The use of dental implants for single-tooth replacement has been established as a predictable treatment option; yet, limited data are available as to how frequently this option is recommended to patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of implant recommendation by general dental practitioners after single-tooth extraction and factors influencing their decision to recommend an implant. All single-tooth extractions performed in 26 general dental practice clinics in Kuwait over a 30-day period were examined. Dentists in these centers used the study form to record demographic data, the type of tooth extracted, reason for extraction, and replacement options presented to the patients. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between background factors and decisions to recommend implant therapy. A total of 1367 patients (mean age, 37.9 +/- 11.8 years) had an extraction of one tooth during the study period. Forty-three patients were offered implants as a replacement option (3.3% of the total sample; 8.6% of patients who were offered tooth replacement options). Factors associated significantly with the recommendation of an implant by Kuwaiti dentists to their patients included younger age, regular dental maintenance visits, and adequate oral hygiene practices (P < 0.05; binary logistic regression). Dental implant recommendation for single-tooth replacement in the present sample of dentists was low. Factors associated significantly with dentist recommendation of an implant for single-tooth replacement included age, history of dental maintenance, and oral hygiene practices.
authors.affiliation: Specialized Center for the Advancement of Dental Services, Ministry of Health, Salmiyah, Kuwait. khalsham@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Khalaf F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Al-Shammari
authors.forename: Jassem M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Al-Ansari
authors.forename: Areej K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Al-Khabbaz
authors.forename: Francisco H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Nociti
authors.forename: Hom-Lay
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data