NEED FOR PERIODONTAL TREATMENT AMONG ADULTS IN SANTIAGO, CHILE

Objectives: Periodontal diseases are heterogeneous group of infections frequently detected in worldwide adult population. It has been reported that the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) is a good periodontal tool useful for the screening of the need for periodontal treatment in large populations. This study aimed to determine the need for periodontal treatment in adults from Santiago of Chile by using the BPE screening.
Methods: A sample study of 550 adults, ≥18 years, and proportionally distributed by age and gender was determined using standard size-sample calculation methods and probabilistic sampling stages involving districts, houses, and individuals. A single operator carried out the BPE screening by using a periodontal probe UNC15, recording the highest code per teeth sextant. In each individual, the need for periodontal treatment was determined and registered by both teeth sextant and individual. The protocol of the study was clearly explained to all the participants who agreed to participate in the investigation by signing an institutional review board-approved informed consent.
Results: No healthy individuals aged 42.4±16 years were analyzed. From them, 58.5% required health promotion and periodontal disease prevention procedures (BPE=1 or 2), 18% required simple periodontal treatment (BPE=3), and 23.5% required complex periodontal treatment (BPE=4). Teeth sextants involving premolars and molars were the most frequently associated with complex periodontal treatment requirement. The complexity of the recommended treatment increased with age and did not show any association with gender. In addition, the number of teeth sextants edentulous increased with age.
Conclusions: All adults living in Santiago need some kind of periodontal treatment. The complexity of periodontal treatment increases by age; thus, it is relevant the early detection and treatment of the periodontal disease.