Community periodontal index of treatment needs Iiterature review

Abstract

The present article consists of a literature review of the studies of periodontal treatment needs performed by the World Health Organization using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). Concomitantly, it is also analyzed the index validity by comparing results obtained in several communities. Based on these studies, it is concluded that no index may suhstitute the standard periodontal examination periogram - for an individual; the CPITN does not give a detailed periodontal examination, but determines a better indication of patients with periodontal treatment needs, in a fast and practical way.