Objectives: compared with widespread investigations on dental implant survival and biologic parameters, patient-based outcomes of implant dentistry have been neglected for years and are now becoming more popular. The aim of this representative opinion poll was to assess the up-to-date patients' mindset on dental implants and draw comparisons with the results published in 2003.
Material and methods: one thousand adults - representative for the Austrian population - were presented with a total of 16 questionnaire items regarding acceptance and subjectively perceived costs of dental implant treatment as well as patient satisfaction with implant-supported rehabilitation.
Results: the implant acceptance rate was 56%, while 23% of the interviewees decidedly rejected implant treatment (same rate as in 2003), especially those over 50 years of age. Only 5% had themselves undergone implant treatment and 22% reported to know someone fitted with implants. The estimated costs of implant treatment were significantly higher than those in 2003, and three-quarters felt that the prize was too high and that the sick fund or social security agencies should bear them. Satisfaction scores were significantly higher among interviewees wearing implant-supported rehabilitations compared with those with conventional fixed or removable dentures.
Conclusions: little has changed in patients' attitude toward dental implants compared with the representative opinion poll in 2003. Neither implant acceptance nor implant prevalence in the Austrian population demonstrated upward trends. Professional public relations efforts are indicated to drop resentments and increase patient acceptance of dental implants as a treatment modality.