Awareness of Dental Implant Maintenance and Biological Differences Among Patients in Tripoli, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mostafa Hamza; Assad Elbalog; Abduladeem Gadad; Moutaz Zwaghi

doi:10.54361/ajmas.269535

Authors

Mostafa Hamza Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5029-7199
Assad Elbalog Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3617-1499
Abduladeem Gadad Department of Oral Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8552-0416
Moutaz Zwaghi Department of Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8784-4748

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/ajmas.269535

Keywords:

Dental Implants, Patient Literacy, Tripoli, Peri-Implantitis, Periodontal Ligament

Abstract

In Tripoli, we see many dental implants, but do patients actually know how to look after them? Long-term success isn't just about the surgery; it depends on the patient. This study was done to see if patients in Tripoli really understand the biological differences between a natural tooth and an implant. Involving 150 patients at a private dental clinic in Tripoli. We used a simple paper survey (to get a 100% response rate) and asked them about the periodontal ligament (PDL), if they think implants can get gum disease, and how they actually clean them at home. Significant knowledge deficits were identified. Only 22.0% of these 150 patients knew that implants don’t have a PDL. Even worse, 43.3% thought that because an implant is metal, it can’t get infected. While 68.0% said they brush their teeth twice a day, only 18.7% are actually using interdental brushes. We checked the numbers, and it didn't matter if the patient was a man or a woman, or if they had a university degree (p > 0.05). A significant knowledge deficit exists in Tripoli's knowledge. There is a massive. It doesn't matter how educated the patient is; they still don't understand implant maintenance. We need to stop just doing surgery and start giving patients better instructions and brochures before we even start the procedure.