Evaluation of the effect of impacted mandibular third molar tooth extraction on the Histatin-5 level in saliva using the ELISA Analysis Method

The aim of this study is to detect changes that may occur in Histatin-5 levels in the salivary secretions of individuals after the extraction of impacted lower third molar teeth diagnosed as class 1- position A according to the Pell-Gregory classification. Additionally, the aim is to determine if a change is detected, its relationship with postoperative inflammatory complications. Sixty volunteer patients who sought treatment at Uşak University Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic for the extraction of impacted lower wisdom teeth between March 2022 and December 2022, and who met the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. According to the analysis of data obtained from the study group (30 women, 30 men), Histatin-5 levels gradually increased in the postoperative period and reached their peak on the seventh postoperative day. Preoperative measurements indicated that Histatin-5 levels showed a weak and negative correlation with increasing age. On the seventh postoperative day, Histatin-5 levels exhibited a moderate and negative correlation with pain scores, and a high level of positive correlation with the increase in mouth opening. In conclusion, it has been observed that the level of Histatin-5 in saliva gradually increases after the extraction of impacted lower third molar teeth, suggesting a potential interaction between postoperative inflammatory complications and Histatin-5. Although no statistically significant relationship was found, the association between increased wound healing and Histatin-5 levels in the postoperative period is noteworthy. Histatin-5, belonging to one of the various protein families in saliva and distinguished by its antifungal properties, has been observed to be an important component of the body's physiological healing process.