Abstract
PURPOSE: Tooth loss plays an important role in human health, causing functional, aesthetic, and social damage. In adults, tooth loss is an indicator of poor oral hygiene, mainly caused by dental caries and periodontal disease, or may result from congenital conditions, injury, or trauma. There is currently a rapidly growing interest in the All-on-4 restorations. The aim of the study was to assess oral hygiene and related oral health in the Lithuanian and European-based cohorts with All-on-4 restorations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An observational, cross-sectional survey study was chosen for the research. A questionnaire with 32 questions was applied. The number of research participants was 125. The inclusion criteria: patients aged 18 years and older; Lithuanians and non-Lithuanians with All-on-4 restorations; patients who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. RESULTS: Gingival retraction and bleeding were more prevalent in the Lithuanian cohort. A total of 58.5% of participants in the Lithuanian cohort and 60% in the European-based cohort reported having been informed about potential implant-related complications associated with poor oral hygiene. 46.2% of the Lithuanian cohort and 26.7% of the European-based cohort believed they possessed sufficient knowledge regarding the care of fixed prostheses on implants. CONCLUSIONS: More patients in the Lithuanian cohort were informed about the importance of oral hygiene, and they more often think they have sufficient knowledge about the care of fixed prostheses on implants than patients in the European-based cohort.