Using CPITN to Determine Periodontal Treatment Needs in Dental Clinics

Several clinical parameters are used in epidemiological surveys of periodontal diseases as well as in treatment planning for periodontal patients. The CPTIN index was originally introduced to determine the periodontal treatment needs in communities. Since periodontal evaluation is always neglected in dental offices and the convenience of using CPITN, this index was compared with clinical attachment level, pocket depth, bleeding on probing and bone loss in 25 patients. Method & Material: Using a WHO 612 CPITN probe measurements was carried out and pocket depth was measured by means of a pressure sensitive probe with a constant force of 25 g. Bone loss was measured from patients P.A. radiographs. Spearman rank correlation test showed a strong significant correlation between CPITN and pocket depth (r=0.82, P<0.0001). Since, pocket depth is an important factor in treatment planning, this finding beside the convenience of CPITN use in dental clinics, this index is suggested for clinical use.