Factors Associated With Loss to Follow-Up of Dental Implant Patients: A Retrospective and Questionnaire-Based Study

The long-term success of dental implants requires consistent follow-up, however, many patients do not attend these appointments. The factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) remain unknown. This study consisted of two components: a retrospective analysis of dental records and a questionnaire survey of LTFU patients. Treatment records of dental implant patients treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, were obtained from the faculty’s hospital database, with LTFU defined as no dental implant check-up record for over one year. A questionnaire was used to determine the reasons for LTFU. Of 698 patient records, 64.04% were LTFU. The 41-60 and 61-70 age groups had lower LTFU risk than those under 40 (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.38 - 0.93; P = 0.02 and OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30 - 0.80; P = 0.004). Half of patients became LTFU at 28 months, with the highest incidence in the first year. Among 208 survey respondents, 66.34% were unaware of the need for check-ups, and those unaware were more likely to schedule a visit (OR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.48-5.57; P = 0.001). The main reason for LTFU was the lack of scheduled appointments by the dentists (22.6%). In conclusion, this study highlighted the critical importance of early patient education and improved communication strategies to reduce LTFU.