Abstract
Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective awareness and expectations of implant patients. Methods : The subjects in this study were 200 implant patients at three different dental clinics in the region of Busan. Results : Concerning awareness of implant, the patients aged between 41 and 50 were best aware of implant with 2.85(p<0.05). By education, those who received college or higher education were best aware of it with 3.53(p<0.001). By income, those whose income was three million won or more were best aware of it with 2.95(p<0.05). As for expectations for implant, the women expected more from it with 2.89(p<0.01). By age, those aged between 41 and 50 had the biggest expectations with 3.63(p<0.001). By education, the patients whose income ranged between 2 and 2.99 million won had the greatest expectations with 2.91(p<0.05). Education and occupation made no significant differences to that. In regard to correlation among their knowledge, awareness and expectations for implant, there was a positive correlation between their knowledge and awareness(0.439), and their awareness had a negative correlation to their expectations(-0.147). Conclusions : The above-mentioned findings suggested that what patients expect from implant should accurately be grasped when counseling is provided, and that accurate information should be provided to them as well. Their cooperation should be requested during implant treatment, and special post-care programs should be prepared to boost their quality of life after receiving implant treatment. Quality medical services should be offered in proportion to the cost of treatment in order to satisfy their expectations.
