Patients’ Perspectives of Grafting Materials in Implant Dentistry: A Qualitative Analysis

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cultural, psychological, and religious influences on the choice of autografts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic bone products for the grafting procedure and with implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative methodology was employed, using the principles of the constant comparative method of the grounded theory; to investigate how people perceive and understand their experiences regarding the graft materials in implant dentistry. The data were collected using detailed qualitative interviews, till saturation was achieved, from 10 patients. RESULTS: The three main themes that emerged in the analysis were: (a) grafting material preference, (b) religious and psychological influences, and (c) trust the doctor and cost influences. The three themes that emerged seemed to be interrelated. There were many statements of preference or rejection of choice based on religious, cultural, and psychological influences. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, three themes emerged and they indicated that the influence on the grafting material’s choice is unique to every individual; it also shares similarities, based on common religious and cultural values.