Fluctuation of salivary alpha-amylase activity levels and vital signs during dental implant surgery.

BACKGROUND: Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity level is thought to be an indicator of mental stress. However, the relationship between sAA activity levels and mental stress in patients during dental implant treatment has not been studied. In the present study, we aimed to examine the correlation between sAA activity levels and changes in patients' vital signs during dental implant surgery. RESULTS: Levels of sAA activity were higher after surgery when compared to before-surgery measurements. A significant positive correlation was found between sAA activity and heart rate (HR) (r(s)=0.434, p=0.007) as well as a positive correlation with oxygen level (r(s)=0.392, p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Levels of sAA activity tended to increase after the surgical procedures, as did patients' stress levels. SpO(2) and sAA activity levels were inversely correlated. There was a positive significant correlation between HR and sAA activity, though there was no correlation between blood pressure and sAA activity levels. Salivary alpha-amylase may be a valuable indicator of stress and anxiety in dental patients undergoing dental implant surgery.