A Comparison of Knowledge and Skills Related to Up-to-Date Implant Techniques Among Prosthodontists, Periodontists, and Oral Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background A dental implant is used in the treatment of complete and partial edentulism. Implant application has increased significantly in modern dentistry. The anatomy, medical condition, practitioner knowledge, and surgical technique are key factors that eventually affect the overall outcome of dental implants. For a better treatment outcome for dental implants, adequate multidisciplinary communication, cooperation, and support must be achieved while considering the periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery specialties. Objective This study aims to compare the knowledge and skills regarding up-to-date implant techniques among prosthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods The data were collected from prosthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from April 2022 to August 2022. The targeted subjects were residents, specialists, and consultants working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results A total of 181 dentists were surveyed in the current study. A significantly higher proportion of oral surgeons have perceived that the BTI brand (BTI Biotechnology Institute, Álava, Spain) had a high load torque before screw fracture (p = 0.025). Periodontists had significantly higher knowledge levels related to the technique with the lowest marginal bone loss (p = 0.003). Knowledge levels were significantly higher among prosthodontists for the items related to the fact that both early and late implant placement following alveolar ridge placement would have the least changes in periodontal parameters (p = 0.013). Conclusion All the targeted specialties exhibited a comparable impression regarding implant techniques and their outcomes. Each specialty had its own aspect of treatment during the placement of dental implants depending on multiple factors. Significant knowledge was observed from each specialty regarding implant brands, techniques, and antibiotic prescriptions for dental implants.

Keywords: implant; knowledge; oral surgery; periodontics; prosthodontics; techniques.