Reasons for not using implants to retain complete denture: Patients' survey

Objective: This study aimed to gain more information from complete denture (CD) wearers who did not receive dental implants, of the reasons preventing them from using implants to retain their CD in a selected sample of dental patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A paper-and-pencil questionnaire containing 20 direct questions of the possible reasons preventing CD wearers from receiving implants to retain their dentures was distributed in three different places in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 270 subjects were included in this survey. The results showed that 180 (66.7%) patients indicated that the fear of pain associated with implant placement was the main reason preventing them from receiving an implant treatment, followed by fear of the surgical procedure (175, 64.8%), fear of postoperative complications (166, 61.5%), information from other people about the various problems associated with implant treatment (154, 57%), and finally cost of the implant (141, 52.2%). Conclusion: Fear is the main reason preventing CD wearers from receiving implant treatment. Therefore, it is essential for dentists to be familiar with the reasons for implant refusal to overcome a common, yet an influential obstacle.