Attitude and treatment options in implant-supported prosthetics: A survey among a cohort of German dentists
- Author:
Carolin GLÜCKER
1
;
Angelika RAUCH
;
Sebastian HAHNEL
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Dental implants; Crowns; Denture; Periimplantitis; Implant maintenance
- MeSH: Cohort Studies; Crowns; Dental Implants; Dental Offices; Dentistry; Dentists; Dentures; Education; Germany; Humans; Peri-Implantitis; Prostheses and Implants
- From:The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics 2020;12(1):15-21
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to analyze treatment concepts of a cohort of German dentists for planning, fabrication, and maintenance of implant-supported fixed and removable restorations.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire including queries about experiences with implant-supported restorations as well as prosthetic and maintenance treatment concepts for supplying patients with fixed and removable implant-supported prosthetic restorations was developed and sent to 350 dental offices registered in the municipal area of Leipzig, Germany.RESULTS: An overall total of 62 returned questionnaires were included in the analyses, which relates to a response rate of 17.7%. Participating dentists were more involved in the prosthetic aspects of implant dentistry rather than surgery, while prosthetic concepts such as backward planning, digital processing, and application of all-ceramic materials were not commonly performed. Simple attachments were preferred over complex retention systems in removable implant-supported restorations. Tooth/implant-supported fixed denture prostheses as well as removable denture prostheses with supporting posterior implants were not regarded as a favorable treatment option.CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, the data indicate that dentists favor simple and conventional treatment approaches in implant prosthetics. Prosthetic aspects in the planning of implant-supported restorations are often neglected. Prosthetic treatment guidelines and aspects should commonly be considered in the planning phase of implant-supported prosthetic restorations, and awareness should be increased in postgraduate education.
