Necesidad de tratamiento periodontal en adolescentes de 12 años de colegios municipalizados en Valdivia–Chile 2014: estudio transversal

Objective

To assess the periodontal treatment needs of 12 year-old adolescents of urban municipal schools in Valdivia, Chile.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was carried out. A total of 225 adolescents of 12 years of age attending municipal schools in Valdivia between April and May, who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Treatment needs were determined using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN).

Results

The findings revealed that 8% of the examined adolescents had a healthy periodontium, 40.9% had gingival bleeding on probing, 47.6% had calculus deposits, and 3.5% were examined using a periodontal chart to determine mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis.

Conclusion

According to the results it is evident that there is a high need for periodontal treatment by 12 year old adolescents attending urban municipal schools in Valdivia. The data of this study will help encourage additional research on the subject and in planning dental programs in the region, with emphasis on prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases from primary health care.