| Abstract [eng] |
Maintenance of dental implants during follow-up visits is essential for the prevention of peri-implant diseases. The expertise and clinical competence of oral healthcare professionals in the early detection and effective management of pathological changes are critical factors influencing the long-term success and longevity of dental implants. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of oral healthcare professionals regarding the diagnosis and treatment of peri-implant diseases. Methods: from November 2023 to March 2025, an epidemiological quantitative study was conducted via an online survey of 405 dental professionals in Lithuania, including oral hygienists (36,3%), general dentists (45,4%), and dental specialists (18,3%). After determining that 17,5% of respondents do not encounter peri-implant diseases in clinical practice, the sample size was reduced to n=334. The revised sample consisted of 38,7% oral hygienists, 42,2% general dentists, and 18,9% dental specialists. Statistical data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software, version 30.0.0. The following tests were applied: Shapiro – Wilk test for normality, Kruskal – Wallis test for group median comparisons, and the Mann – Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction at a significance level of p < 0,0167. Results: oral hygienists demonstrated statistically significantly better knowledge compared to general dentists (p < 0,0167). The knowledge scores of oral hygienists and dental specialists did not differ significantly (p > 0,0167), nor did the scores between general dentists and dental specialists (p > 0,0167). For peri-implant disease diagnostics, clinical (40,5%) and radiological (46,4%) assessments were most used, while 13,2% of respondents did not perform peri-implant tissue evaluations. For probing around implants, 59,6% used plastic, 48,2% used metal periodontal probes, and 17,4% did not probe at all. To remove biofilm, 59,6% used titanium, 48,2% used plastic curettes, 9,3% – ultrasonic scaler with a special tip, and 21,9% did not perform any cleaning. Additionally, 18% of respondents reported using local or systemic antimicrobial agents, in addition to debridement and implant polishing, to treat peri-mucositis. Conclusion: oral hygienists’ knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of peri-implant diseases is statistically significantly better compared to general dentists. There is no statistically significant difference in knowledge between oral hygienists and dental specialists. However, the knowledge scores of oral hygienists are usually higher than those of dental specialists. |
