A study recently published in the International Journal of Prosthodontics revealed that while the cost of implant reconstruction is thought to deter treatment, there may be other factors involved, such as time necessary for the procedure, no problems at present, and the desire to avoid surgical risks. The study involved 101 volunteers, 61 women and 40 men with a median age of 70.2 years (range of 42 to 89). Participants were given questionnaires for background information and other questions indicating whether they were satisfied with their dentures, their oral health, if they were interested in receiving free implants, and why or why not. Results were surprising; 79% of the participants accepted and 21% refused the free implants at first pass. At a later time, 17 of the accepting group declined and 2 of the refusal group accepted, changing the acceptance percentage to 64% and the refusal percentage to 36%. Reasons for accepting the implants were increased stability of the denture, and the major reason for declining was a concern about surgical risks of the procedure. The group choosing the procedure cited poor chewing, poor speech, pain, and dissatisfaction with appearance as major reasons for acceptance. When cost was no longer a factor, 36% still refused implant treatment.
(Source: Dental Abstracts, Volume 51, Issue 5, 2006)
