Abstract

BREDA JUNIOR, Marcus Antônio. Relationship between dental anxiety and salivary cortisol in patients undergoing extraction of third molars. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. [online]. 2015, vol.15, n.3, pp. 49-50. ISSN 1808-5210.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dental anxiety and salivary cortisol using scales and salivary cortisol levels in patients undergoing extraction of third molars. The study involved 15 patients aged between 18 and 29 years, male and ASA I (healthy), undergoing extraction of third molars bilaterally under local anesthesia. Data were collected by means of subjective scales Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), Anxiety Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of anxiety and pain, Spilberger State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Verbal Scale and Visual Numeric Scale of anxiety and pain, and objective by collecting salivary cortisol. These data revealed a correlation between dental anxiety and pain detected by visual numerical scale, showing statistically significant difference in reduction compared periods of 3 minutes after anesthesia and 2 hours after starting the second operation. The salivary cortisol within 2 hours after the onset of first and second operation curve exhibited alteration of circadian rhythm raising it, however no statistical difference. Surgeries for extraction of third molars were able to change the curve of cortisol even in patients with low anxiety levels. The experience interferes with the patient's response against the anxiety and pain, in a positive way, reducing them so significant.

Keywords : anxiety; cortisol; exodontia; third molar..