Use of Original vs Non-Original Implant parts: Clinician Perspectives and Practice Patterns

Objective The increasing use of non-original (third-party) dental implant parts raises concerns about their clinical performance compared to original manufacturer components. The objective is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices of dentists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding the use of original versus non-original implant parts, and to evaluate factors influencing their usage. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 licensed dentists with experience in implant restorations. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, implant practices, use of non-original parts, perceived complications, and satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation were applied using SPSS v26. Results Of the participants, 46.5% reported using non-original implant components, mainly due to cost. These were most commonly used for cover screws and healing abutments. Clinicians identified bacterial leakage, prosthetic misfit, and micromovements as key concerns. Greater clinical experience and specialized training were significantly associated with less frequent use of non-original parts (p < 0.01). A strong correlation existed between age and implant experience (ρ = 0.851), while increased use of non-original parts was negatively correlated with clinician (ρ = − 0.476) and patient satisfaction (ρ = − 0.287). Conclusion Non-original parts are widely used in practice, but are associated with reduced satisfaction and increased clinical concerns. Training, experience, and institutional context significantly influence usage. There is a clear demand for standardized guidelines to support safe and evidence-based decision-making in implant dentistry.