Awareness and Usage of Water Irrigation Devices Among Implant Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dental implants are a preferred treatment option for partially or completely edentulous patients. However, they come with challenges, such as peri-implant diseases requiring effective maintenance, including water irrigation devices (WID).

This study investigated awareness and usage patterns of WID among patients with dental implants or planning to receive them.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 patients visiting the implant clinic of King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital in Jeddah (KAUDH), Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire covering demographic data, dental implant history, and WID usage patterns was administered.

Most participants were female (75.4%) and of Saudi nationality (88.6%). While 73% were aware of WID, only 34.1% used them. Of the users, 51.4% chose these devices for a sense of cleanliness, 41.7% for their convenience, and 45.8% followed their doctor's recommendation. Non-Saudi participants were less likely (12.5%) to use WID compared to Saudis (36.9%) (p = 0.0021). While not reaching statistical significance, income levels appeared to affect usage, with a greater likelihood of usage among higher earners.

This study reveals a discrepancy between awareness and actual use of water irrigation devices among dental implant patients. This underscores the need for enhanced patient education and professional guidance in water irrigation device usage for dental implant care. Future research should focus on patient perceptions and compare them with clinical outcomes for evidence-based dental practices.