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

Background Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by honey bees that possesses well-documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerative properties. Despite extensive investigation in dermatological wound healing, high-quality clinical evidence regarding its role in promoting oral soft-tissue healing following tooth extraction remains limited. Aim This study aimed to evaluate whether a commercial formulation containing propolis extract, clove oil, and white willow bark enhances soft-tissue healing following tooth extraction compared with standard postoperative care. Material and methods A prospective split-mouth controlled pilot study was conducted between September 2025 and April 2026. Thirteen patients requiring bilateral tooth extractions of similar surgical difficulty were recruited. Both extraction sites received identical postoperative care with saline mouthwash; the test site additionally received topical application of the commercial propolis-containing formulation. Soft-tissue healing was assessed using intraoral 3D scans at baseline (D0), day 7 (D7), and day 14 (D14), with surface area closure calculated as a percentage of baseline socket area. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) on days 1, 3, and 7. Linear mixed-effects models were used for inferential analysis. Results Twenty-six extraction sockets from 13 patients were analyzed at D7, and 24 extraction sockets from 12 patients were analyzed at D14 following one loss to follow-up. Socket closure increased significantly between D7 and D14 in both groups (p < 0.001). A significant main effect of treatment group was observed (p = 0.011), demonstrating greater overall socket closure in propolis-treated sites compared with control sites. Postoperative pain decreased significantly over time in both groups (p < 0.001) but did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.879). Conclusion The tested propolis-containing commercial formulation was associated with greater soft-tissue closure following dental extraction. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.