Effect of Honey on Healing Process of Extraction Socket in Rabbits

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Wound Healing
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Honey is recognized as an ancient wound dressing with established benefits for various wound types.
• Its specific impact on the healing of post-tooth extraction sockets remains incompletely understood.
• This study investigates honey's potential in accelerating socket healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of topical honey application on the healing process of extraction sockets.
• To compare the histopathological changes in sockets treated with honey versus a saline control.
• To determine if honey promotes key indicators of wound healing in extraction sites.

Main Methods:

• First premolar teeth were extracted from six New Zealand White rabbits under anesthesia.
• One socket received topical honey (honey group), while the contralateral socket received normal saline (control group).
• Histopathological examination of biopsies taken on day 7 was performed, with statistical analysis using Student's t-test (P < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Honey application significantly increased fibroblast proliferation (p = 0.0019) and bony trabeculae formation (p = 0.0003) compared to the control.
• No statistically significant difference in inflammatory cell presence was observed between groups (p = 1.0000).
• Hyperplastic overlying epithelium was noted in both honey and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Topical honey application demonstrably promotes tooth extraction socket healing.
• The mechanism involves enhanced fibroblast proliferation and accelerated bony trabeculae formation.
• Further research in larger animal models and human trials is recommended to confirm these findings.