Periodontal treatment needs of patients with renal disease receiving haemodialysis

Aim/Objective: The aim of this study was to perform periodontal assessment, using the CPITN index, on patients undergoing renal dialysis. Methods: The periodontal conditions of 342 subjects undergoing renal dialysis from eight renal dialysis centres were examined using CPITN. Subjects were distributed into four age groups, 16-19, 20-34, 35-44 and >= 45 years. The study was conducted during a 6-month period. All clinical examinations were performed by one examiner. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between the CPITN scores and age (r=0.164 p=0.002) and dialysis duration (r=0.240, p=0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between male and female patients (p > 0.05). None of the age groups had healthy sextants. The 35-44 year-age group had a higher number of sextants with deep pockets (0.19) than the other age groups and edentulous sextants were the highest among the oldest I. age group (1.89). Conclusion: A very small portion of the renal dialysis population is affected by severe forms of periodontitis requiring complex periodontal treatment. However, all such patients should be given oral hygiene education as a priority.