Periodontal treatment need in a Finnish industrial population

A periodontal study was conducted in a paper mill in Finland. To adapt the Periodontal Treatment Need System (PTNS) to a Finnish adult population the estimates of Finnish periodontologists were used. The mean estimate of periodontal treatment need was 97 +/- 58 (s.d.) min per person and 32 +/- 18 min per jaw segment. Periodontal treatment need increased with age. No significant differences in periodontal treatment need by sex, education, type of employment, regularity of working hours or frequency of dental visits were observed. Adjusted family income and toothbrushing frequency did not produce significant differences in periodontal treatment need, except in the group having four dentulous jaw segments. The groups using sugar, other sweetening agents or neither of these, mainly in coffee or tea, differed significantly: the non-users of sugar had lowest treatment time and those who used other sweetening agents than sugar had highest treatment time.     

A method for defining the level of periodontal treatment need in a population of 15-year-old schoolchildren

ABSTRACT In a public dental service with scarce resources, the presence of gingivitis in teenage children cannot necessarily be considered as indicating treatment need. However, it is suggested that early bone loss may be an important indication for treatment in teenage children and the aim of the present study was to determine whether the presence of early bone loss in 622 15-year-old children assessed by the measurement of loss of attachment could be predicted from more readily identifiable factors such as gingival bleeding or sub-gingival calculus. However, such screening tests will make errors by including “healthy subjects” or excluding “diseased subjects”. The acceptable balance of these two kinds of error is a public health decision, a decision which may be affected by a number of variables, including the public's and profession's attitudes to the disease, the effectiveness of available treatments and the resources available.     

Endodontic status and suggested treatment in a population requiring substantial dental care

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyse endodontic status and treatment suggested for Swedish citizens requiring substantial dental care. According to the Swedish dental insurance system, treatment plans including radiographs have to be submitted for approval if the estimated cost of treatment exceeds a certain level (USD 500 in 1977). A sample of 1094 treatment plans received during 1977 and 1978 was randomly selected. In the radiographs the number of remaining teeth was recorded, periapical condition was evaluated and the quantity and quality of previous endodontic treatment were estimated. In addition, treatment plans concerning the teeth with periapical lesions were studied. The results indicated that patients analysed in this study that needed expensive treatment had more missing teeth, more root-filled teeth and more teeth with periapical lesions than what has been reported in previous studies of samples supposed to accurately represent the Swedish population. However, the technical quality of the root fillings and the frequency of periapical lesions in root-filled teeth were the same as in previous studies, with high frequencies of inadequate root fillings and related unfavourable responses. Thus the patients in this study retained a significant need for endodontic treatment despite having already received a great deal of endodontic care. Further, it was found that nearly half of the observed periapical lesions would not be treated based on the submitted plans.     

DMFT, dmft and treatment requirements of schoolchildren in Asturias, Spain

An epidemiological survey was carried out in 1992 to study the dental health status of schoolchildren aged 6, 9 and 12 in Asturias, Spain. It focused on the caries prevalence, dmtf, DMFT, restoration indices and dental treatment needs of this population. A representative sample of 1839 subjects, randomly selected and proportionally assigned by age group (6, 9 and 12) with the classroom as the sample unit, was examined. Analysis of the data showed that in 6-year-old children the caries prevalence in primary teeth was 45.8%. The mean caries in-dices were 2.10 dmft and 0.25 DMFT. At 9 years old the prevalence of caries in primary teeth was 62.8% and in the permanent teeth 49.1%. The mean level of caries was 2.38 dmft and 1.50 DMFT. At 12 years old the caries prevalence in permanent teeth was 71% and in first molars 64.2%. The mean caries experienced was 3.30 DMFT. In all groups the D-component constituted the major part of the caries index. The results for girls were higher than for boys in almost all age groups. Surface fillings were the treatment most required in all age groups.     

DMFT and treatment needs in adult population of Oviedo, Spain

Abstact An epidemiological survey was carried out in 1992 researching dental caries and treatment needs in an adult population in Oviedo, Spain. A representative sample of 261 subjects, randomly obtained and stratified by age, was examined. Results show a dental decay prevalence of 99.6%; 12.5 DMFT index with 2.9. 7.5 and 2.1 mean values for D, M and F components. Women and the lower social class showed the highest DMFT index. Treatment needs reach a mean value of 12.1 teeth per person. Politics are the most needed treatment, the mean value increases with age while the differences among age groups and social classes are statistically significant. The next most needed dental treatment is filling of one surface which decreases with age, is the same for men and women and higher among the middle social class; the differences arc statistically significant among the social classes.     

Frequency and technical standard of endodontic treatment in a Swedish population

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to study the frequency and technical standard of endodontic treatment in a Swedish population. The material consisted of full-mouth radio-graphic surveys from 200 patients treated by general practice dentists, and the radiographs were analyzed by two observers. Thirteen percent of the teeth had been endodontically treated. Periradicular radiolucencies were found in 5.2% of the teeth and 26.4% of the endodontically treated teeth had such periradicular radiolucencies. In nearly half of the root-filled teeth, the root filling ended more than 2 mm from the apex, and only 56.3% were judged to have a proper seal. It is concluded that the need for endodontic treatment is great and the technical standard of the root fillings is poor. This strongly indicates that there is a need for standardized endodontic treatment methods and for more specialists in endodontics in Sweden.     

A method of planning a dental treatment program for an institutionalized population

ABSTRACT A dental treatment program, for a subnormal group in an institution near London, England, was designed by applying both epidemiologic data and empirically derived data from the Experimental Dental Care Project at The London Hospital Dental School. For the epidemiologic study, a two-examiner system was developed to help overcome the special problems of examining subnormal adults. The data collected in the study had to be flexible enough to allow the analysis of several alternative treatment strategies. Once these alternative treatment strategies were defined, the data from the Experimental Dental Care Project were applied to analyze the effects of using dental teams of varying composition to carry out the treatment. It was found that to meet the dental needs of the group, a team consisting of one dentist, three New Cross auxiliaries and one dental surgery assistant would be 30 % less expensive than a traditional team of one dentist and one assistant. This larger team would also be able to complete the necessary initial treatment in less than half the time that the traditional team would require.     

A cross-sectional study of DMFT and CPITN scores in a group of Indonesian soldiers

Abstract – A cross-sectional clinical study showed that the prevalence of caries among Indonesian soldiers was low, compared with that found in corresponding Western populations. Also, the progression of caries was very slow, and caries was limited almost exclusively to the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. Among officers, the prevalence of caries was lower than it was among other ranks of the same age. The low general prevalence of caries among Indonesian soldiers may be related to diet. Rice was the major source of carbohydrate for the soldiers, and their sucrose consumption was 10 kg per person per year. Their drinking water contained a low concentration of fluoride (0.1 ppm). In spite of massive accumulations of calculus, the periodontal health of young soldiers (< 26 yr) was also good. Among those in higher age groups, however, periodontal health had deteriorated, but even in a group aged 40–46 yr, no teeth had been lost as a result of periodontal disease. Among officers, periodontal health was better than it was amongst other ranks of corresponding age. The officers had been accustomed to brushing their teeth regularly, whereas the other ranks had not. It thus appears that toothbrushing may help to preserve periodontal health, even when large amounts of calculus are present on the teeth and there is no opportunity for it to be removed regularly by a dentist.     

Technical quality of root fillings in an adult Swedish population

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to study the technical quality of root fillings in a sample representative of the Swedish population. The material consisted of radiographs of the mandibular premolar and molar regions from 861 individuals (20–60 years old). Pulpoiomies and root fillings were registered and the periapical status and the technical quality of the root fillings were evaluated. The results showed that more than 60% of the root-filled teeth were inadequately sealed. The defect most commonly found was incomplete obturation of the root canal. Periapical lesions were observed in 31% of the root-filled teeth. In teelh with completely obturated root canals, only 7% had a periapical lesion, as compared to 45% of the teeth with inadequately sealed root canals.     

Tooth loss, prosthetics and dental treatment habits in a group of Swedish men

Dental history, dental status, the need for prosthetic treatment and dental treatment habits were studied in 389 men aged 21--54 years. The men were selected from a group undergoing military refresher training in the south of Sweden. One percent of the men were toothless. About 3% had full dentures in one or both jaws and an equal percentage had partial dentures. About 3% of the men had bridges in the maxilla and 2% in the mandible. Tooth loss was greatest in the mandibular molar segment, followed by the maxillary molar segment. By means of an index for dental status about 8% of the men were judged to be in great need of prosthetic treatment for aesthetic reasons and/or to improve occlusion. Age, place of birth, educational level and smoking habits were among the factors which seemed to be related to dental status. Seventy percent of the men reported that they went to the dentist once a year, while about 10% seemed rarely or never to seek dental treatment. Dental treatment habits were correlated to place of birth, number of brothers and sisters, edentulousness and the need for prosthetic treatment, among other factors.     

Periodontal status by CPITN, and associated variables in an Israeli permanent force military population

AIMS: The objectives were to determine periodontal treatment needs using the CPITN index, of Israeli permanent force military personnel. METHODS: The study population consisted of 1300 military personnel aged 25-44 years (mean age 33.8 +/- 5.4), who attended obligatory routine medical and dental examinations. Clinical examinations were conducted by 3 calibrated examiners, employing flat dental mirrors, the specially designed WHO periodontal probes (FDI probes) and following CPITN criteria. The frequency distributions were studied with regard to age groups, gender and education, as well as differences in the severity of the disease. Also, the mean number of sextants affected per person by age was assessed. RESULTS: Only 1.19% of the subjects demonstrated healthy periodontal tissue. Shallow pockets were similarly found among all age groups, and the number of persons with deep pockets increased with age. Deep pockets were found almost 3 x more among males (18.66%) in comparison with females (6.19%). Persons with higher education (> 12 years), had less deep pockets and bleeding than individuals with less than 12 years of education (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with data from other countries reported by the WHO, this periodontal status indicates a relatively high level of treatment needs. This survey provides a substantial contribution to the national oral health data bank concerning the adult working population in Israel.     

Endodontic status of mandibular premolars and molars in an adult Swedish population. A longitudinal study 1974–1985

Abstract The purpose of the investigation was to study the incidence of end endodontic treatment and the progression of periapical disease in an adult Swedish population. A random sample was selected in 1974 and offered a clinical and radiographic examination. In 1985, 345 of the original 1302 persons received a follow-up examination. The present study was based on information obtained from radiographs of the mandibular premolar and molar regions at the two examinations. The highest increase in people with endodontically treated teeth from 1974 to 1985 and the highest increase in people with periapical lesions were found in the youngest age-group, horn between 1945 and 1954. New endodontic treatment, received between 1974 and 1985, was mostly found among those who already had endodontically treated teeth in 1974. New periapical lesions also appeared more often in persons with endodontic disorders in 1974.     

The oral needs and demands of a geriatric population at Mt. Olivet, Brisbane, 1986

An epidemiological survey was conducted of 238 patients and residents of the Mt. Olivet Complex in Brisbane in January 1986 using a protocol which sought both interview and clinical data. Overall, 62 per cent of the population had one or more oral symptoms. However, 'felt needs' were expressed by 33 per cent of all examinees, predominantly for 'dental treatment' or 'denture adjustment'. The 'professionally-determined need' was established for 65 per cent of the survey population, of whom 74 per cent could be treated in a dental chair.
A preventive approach to oral care is recommended. The primary preventive effort should be targeted on poor oral hygiene and xerostomia; and secondary prevention towards symptomatic treatment to minimize personal discomfort. Proposals for the delivery of dental services at Mt. Olivet are discussed.     

Comparison between participants and non-participants in a dental health survey in Northern Norway

ABSTRACT The present study focused on possible differences with regard to sex, age, family income and dental status between those who did and those who did not attend a dental health survey. In a village in Northern Norway, all inhabitants aged 20–69 years (180 men and 178 women) were invited by mail to participate in a dental health survey. Two reminders were sent to non-respondents. Eighty-three percent of the target population attended for examination and interviews, and 94: % responded to a follow-up questionnaire. Of all non-participants, men, and particularly young men, were overrepresented. Middle-aged people were more likely to participate than were persons under 30 and over 50 years of age. Furthermore, people belonging to the upper income groups seemed to be more willing to participate than were those at lower income levels. Apparently, inconvenient working hours and long commuting distances had affected the participation. In addition, it seemed likely that anxiety and local factors had some influence.     

Relationship between age, dental status and regular dental care in Norway illustrated by a model

The purpose of this paper was to describe the relationship between age, dental status, and patterns of dental visits. Data from a national health survey of 11,014 persons in Norway 1975 were used. The model shows that though the absolute number of regular attenders decreased with increasing age their relative number among dentate persons increased with increasing age. Different examples of how the model may be used are described. Finally three explanations are given of the dental attendance pattern among Norwegian adults.     

Oral health status and treatment needs in a disadvantaged, rural population in Norway

ABSTRACT Oral health and dental treatment needs were investigated in 216 disadvantaged, rural dwellers aged 20 to 60 years. Oral health was generally poor. One-third of the group was edentulous, while the dentulous persons had an average of 13 remaining teeth. Every second dentulous person had one or more residual roots. DMF teeth averaged 28.1, Gingival Index 1.59, and Oral Hygiene Index 2.87. Two-thirds of the group wore some removable denture, and every second denture was found to have major defects. According to described criteria, 96 % of the group needed some treatment. Prosthetic treatment was the most frequent requirement and applied to 69 % of the group. The estimated total treatment time per individual averaged 255 minutes. The time estimates varied markedly with age and treatment pattern.     

Oral conditions and need for dental treatment in an elderly population in Northern Norway

abstract Oral conditions and dental treatment needs were investigated in a group of persons aged 65–79. A sample comprising 280 persons was drawn systematically to cover all persons in this age category living in the county of Troms in Norway. 241 persons attended, leaving a participation-rate of 86. The participants were examined mainly in their homes by dentists in graduate training. Sixteen percent of the group were in constant need of assistance or care due to a poor general state of health. In all, 80% were edentulous: 72% of the men and 87% of the women. Ninety-two percent wore removable dentures, 5% had natural teeth only, and 14% had natural teeth combined with a denture. Furthermore, 4% had neither teeth nor dentures, while dentures in both jaws were found in 66%. The “objective” treatment needs were extensive and had mainly accumulated due to neglected care. Forty percent of the total group needed new complete dentures and 20% a more comprehensive correction of their dentures. By contrast only 30% intended to seek treatment in the near future. There seemed to be a definite need for a dental program to overcome or reduce the economic and other situational barriers.     

Dental caries status and need for dental treatment of Pennsylvania public school children in grades 1, 3, 9, and 11

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study was designed to determine the caries status and provide a general evaluation of the level of dental treatment need of Pennsylvania public school children in grades 1, 3, 9, and 11 on a statewide and regional basis. METHODS: Between September 1998 and May 2000, caries status and treatment need were assessed using a school-based dental examination, performed on a representative sample (n=6,040) of public school children in grades 1, 3, 9, and 11 (age range=6 to 21 years). Children's caries status in the primary and permanent dentition was assessed. Need for treatment was scored on a three-level categorical scale--no treatment need identified, routine treatment need, and urgent treatment need--and was based on the presence and severity of caries and other oral conditions. Population estimates of the prevalence of untreated dental caries, DMFT and dft scores, and treatment need were calculated by grade and geographically, using the six Pennsylvania health districts and the cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The inequality of caries distribution in the population was assessed for both permanent and primary caries using Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients. RESULTS: Dental caries has remained highly prevalent among Pennsylvania's public school children. Caries levels varied considerably by health districts and city. Urgent treatment needs were significant and also varied by health district and city. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries remains the most prevalent disease affecting Pennsylvania's schoolchildren. Caries status varies significantly by region of the state, suggesting that environmental, social, and demographic contextual factors may be important determinants of disease prevalence.