Knowledge and awareness of dental implants among Syrian refugees: a cross sectional study in Zaatari camp

Abstract

Background The popularity of implant dentistry is increasing dramatically, but the success of implant treatment depends on a patient’s knowledge and expectations. Methods This study aimed to assess dental implant knowledge among refugees as a treatment option (n = 565), using face-to-face interviews. The frequency distribution of the responses in general and according to age, gender and education was calculated. Results 81.8% of the interviewees had missing teeth, however, only 26.2% replaced them. 16.6% of participants had never/hardly heard about implants. Females who never heard of implants were more than males (P < 0.001). 51.3% of participants described dental implants as a screw, and only 35.4% knew implants were placed in jawbones. 6.2% of respondents reported that implants required more care than a natural teeth, with 47.6% believing that diseases affect implant success. Friends were the main source of information (61.4%). Highly educated participants showed higher knowledge about implants. Conclusions The surveyed sample revealed limited knowledge about dental implants with high cost being a major obstacle, warranting more strategies to increase awareness and to make implants more affordable for this population.

Pattern, frequency and causes of tooth extraction among adult Syrian refugees

“…3,4 However, in the long run equitable and sustainable population based programs targeted at improving upstream factors such as social-economic disparities; inequitable access to quality education and affordable dental care should be prioritized. 24 Caries has been identified as the leading cause of tooth loss in the majority of research, 3,4,8 which is in-line with the current study. The mean DMFT for this studied population is around 10.19, mostly comprised of decayed teeth (5.76) and the SiC score was 17.09 8 explaining why caries is the main reason for tooth extraction in this population.…”

“…Caries has been identified as the leading cause of tooth loss in the majority of research, 3,4,8 which is in‐line with the current study. The mean DMFT for this studied population is around 10.19, mostly comprised of decayed teeth (5.76) and the SiC score was 17.09 8 explaining why caries is the main reason for tooth extraction in this population.…”

“…Caries has been identified as the leading cause of tooth loss in the majority of research, 3,4,8 which is in‐line with the current study. The mean DMFT for this studied population is around 10.19, mostly comprised of decayed teeth (5.76) and the SiC score was 17.09 8 explaining why caries is the main reason for tooth extraction in this population. Other studies have shown periodontal diseases to be the primary cause, 25 or caries and periodontal diseases to be equally responsible 26 : in this study periodontal diseases was the second highest cause of extraction (3.4%) and is below that previously reported 24,27 .…”

“…3,4,10 Tooth extraction, was strongly correlated with the level of education; oral hygiene practices and smoking; reflecting a deteriorated oral health status, and possibly lack of interest in other more conservative treatment options. A previous study among refugees has shown dental caries to be strongly linked to poor dental hygiene, smoking, and low level of education, 8 and in this study tooth extraction was strongly related to the same factors, where caries was reported as the main reason for extraction. Unhealthy eating habits, a lack of dental care, and lack of preventative initiatives are all factors that contribute to the problem.…”

“…5,6 The World Health Organization (WHO) analyzes health status in order to promote improved oral health. 7 Refugees, in particular, are at significant risk of poor oral health, with a high frequency of dental disorders and unmet dental treatment needs, [8][9][10] for example a WHO assessment of Liberian refugees resettled in Ghana showed 80 percent of them had dental disease and/or oral discomfort. 11 Surprisingly, after the common cold, caries is the second most often reported health condition among refugees.…”