Assessment of differences in stress markers of edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers can aid in determining the success of complete denture. Fewer studies evaluated the biomarkers in edentulous patients. This can aid in planning of better qualitative care for edentulous patients. The study compared the quantities of nitric oxide (NO), salivary alpha amylase (SAA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) before and after denture insertion in complete denture patients.

METHODS: The study involved 25 edentulous patients. The saliva samples were obtained from patients prior, 1 h, and 1 week after denture insertion. Standardized procedure was followed in sample management, transportation and storing. The investigations varied with the biomarkers. SAA was estimated by enzymatic assay. TBARS by lipid peroxidation and NO was assessed by Griess reaction. The obtained data were tabled and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The results displayed variation in the level of markers between before and after denture insertion. The mean levels of SAA decreased from 8.26 ± 1.32 nm/ml to 3.44 ± 1.25 nm/ml in following denture insertion. The mean of TBARS and NO increased after denture insertion to 14.33 ± 4.72 nm/ml and NO 22.92 ± 5.79 ng/ml. The results were statistically significant with p < 0.05.

CONCLUSION: The study concluded that denture insertion decreased the levels of psychological stress marker (SAA) and increased the Oxidative stress marker (TBARS, NO).