| Abstract [eng] |
Relevence of the problem. Restoration of missing teeth is important for both oral health and overall quality of life. In Lithuania, public knowladge and attitudes toward the replacement of missing teeth using dental implants remain limited. Due to high costs, lack of information, fear, some individuals refuse this option of treatment. The aim of the study is to assess public knowledge and attitudes in order to help dentists better understand patients‘ needs and where people lack of information. Aim of the study. To evaluate the knowladge and attitudes of Lithuanian residents toward the restoration of missing teeth using dental implants and to determine associations with spciodemographic factors. Objectives. 1. To assess Lithuanian residents’ knowledge about dental implants. 2. To investigate attitudes toward the restoration of missing teeth using dental implants. 3. To determine the relationship between sociodemographic factors (gender, age, place of residence, education) and knowledge and attitudes toward dental implants. 4. To compare the results of Lithuanian residents with finding from studies conducted in other countries. Materials and methods. A cross–sectional anonymous questionnaire–based study was conducted, with a total of 440 responds collected. The target population consisted of Lithuanian adults aged 18 years and older. With a 95 percent confidence level and a 5 percent margin of error, the minimum required sample size was calculated to be 385 respondents. The study was carried out from August 2025 to January 2026. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via the Google Forms platform. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and results were considered statistically significant at p 0,05. Results. The majority of respondents had heard about dental implants, and their level of knowledge was generally good. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge level, education, and place of residence, with individuals of higher educational attainment and those living in urban areas demonstrating better knowledge of dental implants. When rating their knowledge on a scale from 1 to 10, most respondents rated it as 5. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was also observed between objectively assessed knowledge and self–perceived knowledge of dental implants. Individuals with higher levels of factual knowledge tented to rate their knowledge more highly. Regarding attitudes, most respondents had a positive view of dental implant treatment. The majority would choose dental implants to replace missing teeth; however, the high cost of the procedure remained the main barrier. More favourable attitudes were observed among woman, younger individuals, and those with higher education. Conclusions. The level of awareness of dental implants among Lithuanian residents is relatively good. Individuals with higher education level and those living in urban areas had better knowledge about dental implants. Although attitudes toward implants are generally positive the high costs of treatment remain the main barrier to choosing this treatment option. Therefore, public education about this treatment option is important. |
