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Evaluation of the information provided by UK dental practice websites regarding complications of dental implants

British Dental Journal volume 230, pages 831–834 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. When searching for information regarding dental implants, patients may first look to their dental practice website. The aim of this study was to assess the variance of patient information provided regarding implant complications on dental implant practice websites.

Materials and methods Inclusion criteria for this study were dental practices within the Greater Glasgow & Clyde health board and practices with an active website. Completeness was assessed using a six-point score based on the British Association of Oral Surgeons 'Information for patients' leaflet and Association of Dental Implantology 'Considering dental implants? - A patient's guide to dental implant treatment' leaflet.

Results In total, 90.7% (n = 107) of practices provided accessible implant information on their websites. However, only 37.3% (n = 44) mentioned one or more specified dental implant complications. Pain/discomfort was the most frequently stated complication (n = 41/118); implant failure was only mentioned by 19 practices (16%). The mean number of complications mentioned by the 118 practices offering dental implants was 1.1.

Discussion As implant dentistry grows, there may be concerns over patient expectations. To overcome lack of quality assurance on the internet, dentists can provide factual information on their websites. They should be aware of their duty to provide material that is accurate, honest, informative and not potentially misleading.

Key points

  • Highlights a lack of standardisation of patient information provided by UK dental practice websites regarding suitability and complications of dental implants.

  • Reminds registrants that there is an increasing trend in patients seeking their own information regarding dental implants and other treatment options online.

  • Reminds registrants of their duty to provide material that is accurate, honest and informative, in line with the GDC's principles of ethical advertising.

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Acknowledgements

Ilyaas Rehman and Fatima Elmahgoub contributed equally to the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dental Core Trainee in Oral Surgery, Department of Oral Surgery, Glasgow University Dental School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, UK

    Ilyaas Rehman

  2. Dental Core Trainee in Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Department of Oral Surgery, Glasgow University Dental School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, UK

    Fatima Elmahgoub

  3. Senior Clinical Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery, Department of Oral Surgery, Glasgow University Dental School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, UK

    Christine Goodall

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  1. Ilyaas Rehman
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Correspondence to Fatima Elmahgoub.

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Rehman, I., Elmahgoub, F. & Goodall, C. Evaluation of the information provided by UK dental practice websites regarding complications of dental implants. Br Dent J 230, 831–834 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3080-2

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