Assessment of the changes in the stress related salivary cortisols levels induced during different Dental procedures

Aims and objective: Anxiety ,fear and pain assessment is essential in day to day Dental practice  .The present study evaluated the  stress related salivary cortisols levels induced during scaling,tooth preparation and surgical flap elevation in Periodontally compromised  subjects  Methodology: The salivary cortisol level were assessed in 80 patients ,out of which 40 patients were healthy patient who do not require any Dental treatment and 40 patients who underwent Scaling , tooth preparation and surgical flap elevation in Periodontally compromised  subjects  The groups divided were as follows . Group 1: control group with no treatment and just the saliva sample was taken. Group 2; The patients underwent scaling Group 3; The patients underwent  tooth preparation for fixed prosthesis Group 4; The patients underwent surgical flap elevation in Periodontally compromised  situation .The salivary cortisol levels were assessed using Salivary Cortisol Enzyme Immunoassay Kit. Results: The salivary cortisol level was highest in Group 4 followed by Group 2, Group 3 and least in Group 1. Conclusion: The stress level was lowest in healthy patient and highest when patient underwent surgical flap elevation in Periodontally compromised  subjects .Dentist should try to minimize subject anxiety and stress to great extent .