Propolis-Based Solution Application in Extraction Socket Healing: A 3D Split-Mouth Clinical Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Wound healing
• Natural products in medicine

Background:

• Propolis, a bee product, has known anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.
• Clinical evidence for propolis in oral soft-tissue healing post-extraction is limited.
• This study investigates a commercial propolis formulation for post-extraction healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a propolis extract, clove oil, and white willow bark formulation for oral soft-tissue healing.
• To compare its efficacy against standard postoperative care after tooth extraction.
• To assess its impact on postoperative pain.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, split-mouth, controlled pilot study.
• 13 patients undergoing bilateral tooth extractions.
• Intraoral 3D scans for socket closure assessment; Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain.

Main Results:

• Propolis-treated sites showed significantly greater overall socket closure (p = 0.011).
• Significant healing progression observed between day 7 and day 14 in both groups (p < 0.001).
• No significant difference in postoperative pain between propolis and control groups (p = 0.879).

Conclusions:

• The propolis-containing formulation promotes enhanced soft-tissue closure post-dental extraction.
• Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to validate these findings.
• The formulation shows potential for improving oral wound healing outcomes.