Factors Associated with Implant Recommendation for Single Tooth Replacement

Objectives: The use of dental implants for single tooth replacement has been established as a predictable treatment option, yet limited data is available about how frequently this option is recommended to patients. The aim of this 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. Methods: 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 utilized to examine associations between background factors and dentists' decision to recommend implant therapy. Results: A total of 1,367 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 that were offered tooth replacement options). Factors significantly associated with dentists' recommendation of an implant to their patients included younger age, having regular dental maintenance visits, and adequate oral hygiene practices (p < 0.05; binary logistic regression). Conclusion: Dental implant recommendation for single tooth replacement in this sample of dentists was low. Factors significantly associated with the dentists' recommendation of an implant for single tooth replacement included age, history of dental maintenance, and oral hygiene practices.