AWARENESS OF ESTHETIC IMPLANT AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONAL

Dental implants, and implant abutments are all being made with PEEK as an alternative material in the recent past. PEKK is a newer material that has an 80% stronger compressive strength and superior long-term fatigue capabilities than PEEK without reinforcement. Because of its light weight and compatibility with various veneering materials, PEKK has been employed as the framework material for Implant supported complete and fixed dental prostheses. Although it is gaining popularity due to its production adaptability, there are only a few clinical studies that support its usage. This survey aims to assess the awareness of esthetic implants and spread awareness in dentistry among dental students and practitioners.A questionnaire containing 6 questions was prepared and distributed among Indian dental students and practitioners. Indian dentist knowledge on esthetic implants in the dentistry field was assessed through a series of specially designed proformas and corresponding results were calculated and tabulated. Among 100 samples enrolled in the study 54 were undergraduate students, 28 were postgraduate students, 10 were academicians and 8 were clinicians. 48%of the study population responded that PEEK is used in esthetic implants, 28% responded that Zirconia was used in esthetic implants, 12% for PEKK in esthetic implant supported prosthesis and 12 % was used for all three materials. Awareness should be spread among the students and practitioners on the benefits of using PEKK and also keep them updated on the advancements in PEKK as a dental material by conducting CDE and hands-on workshops.