Comparative evaluation of salivary alpha amylase level for assessment of stress during third molar surgery with and without piano music and co-relation with pain catastrophizing scale: an in vivo study

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative nervousness and anxiety are frequently encountered by individuals who undergo extractions of impacted wisdom teeth. The aim of the present study is to evaluate salivary alpha amylase (sAA) level in patients for assessment of stress during third molar surgery while listening to piano music and to determine its co-relation with pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients (four males and three females) indicated for surgical extraction of bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars were included. Pre-surgical patient assessments were completed, and three samples of saliva were collected during surgery—one at baseline, one 30 minutes after commencement of surgery, and one after suturing. Assessment was performed on both sides separately with and without piano music, and the samples were assessed for sAA level and correlated with the patient’s self-reported PCS. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were obtained in patients who underwent surgical extraction while listening to piano music (P=0.046). The correlation of sAA level with PCS was not significant. CONCLUSION: Music demonstrated a beneficial effect on lowering the levels of stress and anxiety that a patient exhibits during any surgical procedure, and sAA can be a useful biomarker for similar assessments.