Association of Salivary Cortisol With Anxiety in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Before and After Complete Denture Rehabilitation: An In-Vivo Analysis

Abstract

Background Complete edentulism negatively impacts emotional, physical, social, and psychological well-being, leading to a decline in quality of life and heightened stress and anxiety. Stressful situations associated with edentulism can elevate cortisol levels, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes. Rehabilitation with complete dentures needs careful evaluation for its impact on general health, considering stress points and systemic effects. This study aimed to assess salivary cortisol levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients before and after complete denture rehabilitation, highlighting the intricate relationship between diabetes, cortisol, and the stress response. Methods This is a cross-sectional study centered on individuals with diabetes who were completely edentulous and undergoing evaluation by the outpatient prosthodontic department. Glycated hemoglobin, anxiety levels, and the fabrication of complete dentures were all accomplished with the participants' consent. Patients underwent evaluations before and one month after receiving complete denture rehabilitation. Results An absolute correlation between salivary cortisol levels and anxiety may be established because anxiety levels dramatically decreased during complete denture rehabilitation. Conclusion By learning how the patient's general health is related to their new set of complete dentures and how to correlate that information with dental rehabilitation, professionals can help patients better adapt to their new set of dentures.