Comparison of pre and post-operative stresses among Indian patients undergoing intra-oral grafting procedures

With the advent of implantology as an important means to rehabilitate the edentulous patients, the neglect over the years post extraction leads to severe bone loss. This can be corrected by grafting procedures. Grafting procedures are complex as it takes into account various factors such as the type of graft material, surgical site, surgeon's skill and the patient's compliance. Totally 20 patients ( male n=10 ; female n=10) were included in the study, 14 patients underwent GBR, 4 patients underwent direct sinus lifts and 2 underwent block grafts. The stress levels of the patient also is an important factor to consider as varying cortisol levels will be detrimental to the healing of the surgical site. Premedication with painkillers and corticosteroids can help patients comply with the treatment and feel less anxious. The stress levels of the patient were assessed using State trait anxiety index, 50.6± 6.9 was the pre-operative stress and 36.95± 9.3 was the post-operative stress. Stress levels were significantly greater before the procedure than after it, according to statistical analysis. The females were significantly having increased stress both pre and post-operatively. Also, the patients in the age group of 41-50 years showed increased amounts of stress.