Effects of local melatonin application on post-extraction sockets after third molar surgery. A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Pharmacology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Third molar extraction is a common surgical procedure.
• Post-extraction socket healing involves complex inflammatory and osteogenic processes.
• Melatonin is a hormone with potential anti-inflammatory and bone-healing properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the early anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and osteogenic effects of local melatonin application in post-extraction sockets.
• To assess melatonin's impact on interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and bone density after third molar extraction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, triple-blind, split-mouth clinical trial involving 10 patients undergoing third molar extraction.
• Local application of 3 mg melatonin or placebo in extraction sockets.
• Quantification of IL-6 and nitrotyrosine via ELISA.
• Evaluation of bone density using Hounsfield Units (HU) from panoramic and cross-sectional scans.

Main Results:

• Interleukin-6 concentrations showed a non-significant increase with melatonin (361.32 ± 235.22 pg/ml) compared to placebo (262.58 ± 233.92 pg/ml).
• Nitrotyrosine levels were below detection limits.
• No statistically significant differences in bone density were observed between melatonin and placebo groups in either panoramic or cross-sectional views.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study found no significant differences in IL-6 concentration or bone density in post-extraction sockets treated with local melatonin.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate melatonin's role in oral surgical wound healing.