Periodontal Status and Treatment Needs of Unrepaired Cleft Lip/Palate Patients

OBJECTIVES: (a) To determine the periodontal disease status and treatment needs of cleft lip and palate (CLAP) patients undergoing surgical repair and (b) Discuss its clinical implication in post operative management of these patients. METHODS: All Cleft Lip and Palate patients who presented at Noma Children Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria for surgical repair in November 2004 and February 2005 were seen before surgery. Noma children hospital is a reference center for clefts and Noma patients covering northern states of Nigeria. Seven years old and above were assessed for periodontal diseases status and treatment needs using CPITN probe. RESULTS: A total of 42 CLAP patients were examined 29 male (70%) 13 female (30%). The frequency distribution of CLAP shows left unilateral cleft lip being the highest (23) 54.8%, followed by right unilateral cleft lip (11) 26.2% and midline cleft (1) 2.4%. Periodontal disease status was mainly Code 2 using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). No CLAP patient was Periodontal disease free. CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease status of unrepaired CLAP patients is inadequate; oral prophylaxis and complex periodontal care prior to surgery is highly indicated to improve postoperative management of these patients.