A survey to evaluate the awareness of various treatment modalities to replace missing teeth among patients visiting Kasturba hospital, Manipal: A prosthodontic perspective

Background: The disabilities associated with oral health; like missing teeth, are many. The management of these disabilities is of utmost importance to any dental practitioner. Materials and methods: This study was conducted at the outpatient department (OPD) of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, located in Udupi district of South-West Karnataka, with a population of 11.7 lakh of whom 305 patients (146 females and 159 males) took part in the study to assess their awareness to various treatment options available to replace missing teeth. The subjects filled out a close-ended questionnaire of 11 questions; clinical examination of the oral cavity then followed. They all had at least 1 missing tooth (3rd molars excluded). The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 2.0, with a Chi-square test significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 305 patients who participated, 69.2% of males and females wanted to get their teeth replaced. The remaining 15.2% males and 12.6% females who did not want to get their teeth replaced stated that the lack of time prevented them from doing so. A total of 5% of females and a 1.4% of males said that previous traumatic dental experience prevented them from getting treatment. Majority of both men and women were aware of the removable partial prosthesis as a treatment option (71.9% males and 74.9% females). A small portion of the study group, 21.9% males and 25.2% of females were aware of dental implants. The most preferred treatment option, chosen by 53.5% females and 49.3% males was the fixed partial prosthesis (tooth supported). These findings indicate that 56% of women were more inclined to avail treatment for missing teeth, and only 44% of men felt the need to avail treatment. A total of 76.7% males and 76.1% females felt that their masticatory functions were affected. Conclusion: The findings indicate that awareness regarding implants is lacking, and that motivation brought about by outreach programs has not yet reached most sections of the Indian society.