Volume 2025, 13 pages.
Knowledge and Clinical Practices of Ridge Preservation Techniques Among Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Survey
S. Parthiban1, G. Sureshkumar2, G. Harini1, S. Karthiga1
1Department of Periodontics, Sri Venkateswaraa Dental College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India, 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sri Venkateswaraa Dental College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India
Address for Correspondence:
Dr. S. Parthiban
Professor, Department of Periodontics
Sri Venkateswaraa Dental College and Hospital
Pondicherry, India
Email: drparthibansvdcpondy.ac.in
Abstract
Background: Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) has emerged as an essential procedure in contemporary implant dentistry to minimize dimensional changes following tooth extraction. Despite robust scientific evidence supporting ARP, there appears to be considerable variability in its clinical adoption among dental practitioners.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 dental practitioners to assess the knowledge, awareness, and clinical practices regarding ridge preservation techniques and to identify factors influencing adoption. A structured, validated questionnaire was used for data collection.
Result: Results showed that 68.4% demonstrated awareness of ridge preservation procedures, but only 42.8% routinely implemented them. Specialists showed significantly higher knowledge scores compared to general practitioners (p<0.001). The most commonly cited barriers were lack of training (54.2%), patient cost concerns (48.6%), and inadequate clinical experience (41.3%). Xenogeneic bone substitutes combined with collagen membranes were the preferred materials (62.1%). Practitioners who received formal training demonstrated significantly better clinical implementation rates (p<0.01).
Conclusion: A significant gap exists between knowledge and clinical implementation. Structured educational programs and hands-on training are essential to enhance adoption of evidence-based ARP protocols in routine dental practice.
Keywords: Alveolar ridge preservation, bone grafting, clinical practice, dental practitioners, knowledge assessment
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil (Self Funding)
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
How to Cite this article :
Parthiban S., Sureshkumar G., Harini G., Karthiga S. Knowledge and Clinical Practices of Ridge Preservation Techniques Among Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Int J Cranio Maxillofac Surg Rehab Volume 2024; 4(1): 19-31.
DOI: 10.56501/IntJCranioMaxillofacSurgRehabil.v4.i1.ijcms0060
