Fluctuation in salivary alpha-amylase activity and vital signs during dental implant surgery

BACKGROUND: Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity is thought to be an indicator of mental stress. However, the relationship between sAA activity and mental stress in patients undergoing dental implant treatment has not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine the correlation between sAA activity and changes in the patient’s vital signs during dental implant surgery. RESULTS: sAA activity was higher after surgery compared to the pre-surgical measurements. A significant positive correlation was observed between sAA activity and heart rate (HR) (r(s)=0.434, p=0.007), as well as the peripheral blood oxygen (SpO(2)) (r(s)=0.392, p=0.016). CONCLUSION: sAA activity and the patient’s stress levels tended to increase after the surgical procedure. A positive correlation was observed between SpO(2) and sAA activity. A significant positive correlation was also observed between the between the HR and sAA activity, although there was no correlation between blood pressure and sAA activity. Thus, sAA may be a valuable indicator of the stress and anxiety accumulated during dental implant surgery.