Comparative Evaluation of Patients Before and After Using Soft Occlusal Splint: An in vivo Study
Pudi Sriharsha, Anil Kumar Gujjari, [...], and Akila Prashant
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Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Cortisol Levels in Bruxism Patients Before and After Using Soft Occlusal Splint: An in vivo Study
Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Cortisol Levels in Bruxism Patients Before and After Using Soft Occlusal Splint: An in vivo Study
PMC5968680 (Ref ID)
Chosen Image filename: PMC5968680_Figure_03.jpg
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I. Introduction
This research paper titled "Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Cortisol Levels in Bruxism Patients Before and After Using Soft Occlusal Splint: An in vivo Study" explores the effect of soft occlusal splints on salivary cortisol levels in patients with bruxism. Bruxism refers to the repetitive clenching and grinding of teeth, and soft occlusal splints are commonly used as a treatment for this condition. The significance of this study lies in investigating whether the use of occlusal splints can reduce stress levels in bruxism patients.
The main research question of the study is whether there is a difference in salivary cortisol levels in bruxism patients before and after using soft occlusal splints. The objectives include evaluating the effect of soft occlusal splints on salivary cortisol levels and understanding the implications of these findings in the treatment of bruxism.
II. Methodology
The study utilized a research design that involved collecting saliva samples from 20 individuals suffering from bruxism. The samples were collected both before and after the participants used soft occlusal splints. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure salivary cortisol levels. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, and one sample t-test.
It's important to note that this study had limitations. The sample size was small, consisting of only 20 participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, individuals with certain preexisting conditions affecting cortisol levels were excluded, which could introduce a potential bias.
III. Results
The key findings of the study indicate that there was a decrease in salivary cortisol levels in 70% of the individuals after using soft occlusal splints. However, this decrease was statistically nonsignificant. The results demonstrated a trend towards decreased cortisol levels, but further analysis showed that 30% of participants actually experienced increased cortisol levels after using the splints.
Relevant statistical analyses, such as paired sample t-tests and one sample t-tests, were performed to compare the mean cortisol levels before and after using soft occlusal splints. The intragroup comparison of the mean cortisol levels showed near significant values, suggesting a decrease in salivary cortisol levels, but not a statistically significant one.
IV. Discussion
Analyzing the results in relation to the research question and objectives, the study suggests that soft occlusal splints may have a potential impact in reducing salivary cortisol levels in bruxism patients. However, the nonsignificant decrease in cortisol levels and the observed increase in some individuals indicate a need for further research.
The implications of these findings are significant as they indicate that soft occlusal splints could potentially be used as a noninvasive treatment option for bruxism patients. However, the varying responses to splint therapy and the lack of statistical significance raise questions about the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
Addressing the limitations of the study, the small sample size and exclusion of certain individuals may have influenced the results. Additionally, further research is needed to identify the factors that contribute to the varying responses to soft occlusal splints and to determine the long-term effectiveness of this treatment option.
V. Conclusion
In summary, this research paper evaluated salivary cortisol levels in bruxism patients before and after using soft occlusal splints. The results showed a trend towards decreased cortisol levels in the majority of participants, suggesting a potential benefit of these splints in reducing stress. However, the lack of statistical significance and the observed increase in some individuals necessitate further investigation.
The findings of this study contribute to the field by shedding light on the potential effects of soft occlusal splints on salivary cortisol levels in bruxism patients. It highlights the need for larger studies and long-term follow-ups to better understand the effectiveness and individual variability in response to this treatment option.
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