Introduction

The increased rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or failure of antioxidant mechanisms leads to the oxidative stress, which is a ethiopatological factor of many systemic diseases and may have an adverse effect on the healing process. Saliva, equipped with antioxidative mechanisms is an important defense against ROS.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant profile parameters of saliva (total oxidant stress and total antioxidant capacity) in smoking and non-smoking patients undergoing surgical extraction of third molars.

Material and methods

The study was performed in a group of 30 patients who underwent a surgical extraction of partly impacted third molars. A sample material for testing in the form of saliva was collected from the patients before the surgery and 7 to 10 days after surgical treatment. The acquired material was assessed taking into account its antioxidant profile: TOS (total oxidant stress), and TAC (total antioxidative capacity).

Results

Statistically after the surgical treatment in the group of non-smokers, the TAC level was higher (p = 0.042), the TOS level in the group of male smokers was statistically higher (p < 0.05). In non-smoking male group the TAC level was statistically higher (p = 0.046).

Conclusions

It was observed an impact of surgical treatment in the oral cavity on the antioxidative – oxidative status of saliva. It was found beneficial in the group of non-smokers and smoke free men (TAC increased) and unfavorable in the group of male smokers (TOS increased).