Knowledge and Perception about Dental Implants, Bone Grafting and Complications in Population of Delhi NCR - An Evaluative Study.

Introduction: Dental implants are a popular solution for tooth replacement, offering functional and aesthetic benefits. However, patients' understanding and perceptions significantly impact their decisions and expectations. In Delhi NCR, rising demand for dental implants underscores the importance of evaluating public awareness, common misconceptions and sources of information. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 residents of Delhi NCR using an online questionnaire. The survey assessed participants' knowledge of dental implants, perceptions of the procedure and bone grafting and sources of information. Demographics such as age, gender and education were collected to identify trends. Results: Among the respondents, 61.8% were men, and 38.2% were women. While 98% claimed familiarity with dental implants, 51.7% believed they required more care than natural teeth and 40% thought they lasted only 2-10 years. Dentists were the primary source of information for 50% of participants. Misconceptions were common, with 41% associating implants with systemic illness and 66% indicating no need for tooth replacement. Regarding bone grafting, 60% were willing to use bone from their jaw, 57.3% preferred synthetic substitutes and 29% thought implants could cause systemic complications. Discussion: Although awareness of dental implants is high, misconceptions about their longevity, care needs and complications persist. These findings highlight the need for targeted education to address misinformation and improve patient understanding, enabling informed decisions about implants and related treatments.