title: Knowledge and attitude of elderly persons towards dental implants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite their unrivalled place in restorative treatment, dental implants are still scarcely used in elderly patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The aim of this survey was therefore to identify potential barriers for accepting an implant treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from a geriatric hospital, two long-term-care facilities and a private clinic. The final study sample comprised 92 persons, 61 women and 31 men with an average age of 81.2 ± 8.0 years. In a semi-structured interview, the participants' knowledge of implants and attitude towards a hypothetical treatment with dental implants were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-seven participants had never heard of dental implants, and another 13 participants could not describe them. The strongest apprehensions against implants were cost, lack of perceived necessity and old age. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis identified being women, type and quality of denture, having little knowledge on implants and being hospitalised as the risk factors for refusing implants. However, old age as such was not associated with a negative attitude.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The acceptance of dental implants in the elderly population might be increased by providing further information and promoting oral health in general. Regardless of the age, dental implants should be placed when patients are still in good health and live independently.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. frauke.mueller@unige.ch
authors.forename: Frauke
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Kamel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Salem
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barbezat
authors.forename: François R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schimmel
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D003778:Dentures; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants