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Abstract
Aim: The primary aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of dental implants in a Saudi population in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The secondary objective was to describe the status of the health insurance
covering dental implants in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: 1831 Saudi patients aged ≥18 years with at least one missing permanent tooth and
residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were randomly selected and clinically examined for implant
prostheses types (single-tooth implant, implant-supported long or short span conventional fixed bridge,
implant overdenture). Radiographs were used too. The health insurance covering dental implants was
detected. The data obtained including age, gender, systemic disease, and tobacco smoking were documented
in a patient examination form then statistically analyzed using Chi-Square Test or Fisher-Freeman-Halton
Test and U-Test.
Results: The prevalence of dental implants among adults missing at least one tooth was 12.7%. Of those
12.7%, the majority of patients had 2-4 implants (5.4%). The majority of patients who had one implant were
in the age group <40 years; patients who had >8 implants were seen in the age group ≥60. In addition, the
prevalence of implant prostheses types was as the following: Single-tooth implant 75.5%, followed by
implant-supported short span fixed bridge 17.1%, implant overdenture 3.9%, and implant-supported long
span fixed bridge 3.5%. The majority of patients treated with single-tooth implants were in the age group
<40 years. There was an insignificant difference in the median number of dental implants between males
and females p>0.05.
Conclusion: The majority of patients were treated with single-tooth implants. Health insurance policy
doesn’t cover the cost of dental implants in Saudi Arabia.
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