Honey in the Management of Dry Socket.

ABSTRACT

Background: The most common post-operative complications following extraction of tooth is dry socket or alveolar osteitis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of honey in the management of dry socket. Methods: Sixty patients of dry socket were selected from the outpatient department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. A diagnosis of dry socket was made clinically. Honey was used as a dry socket dressing in all the patients. The parameters like pain, swelling, hyperemia, lymphadenopathy and formation of granulation tissue were assessed in the postoperative period upto 3 weeks. Results: In this study there was significant reduction in inflammation, hyperemia, and swelling after honey dressing that resulted in soothing effect and reduction in pain and discomfort. .No side effect of honey was observed in our study, so it can be used as an alternative for the management of dry socket. Conclusions: There are no side effects of honey. Excess use of eugenol can lead to necrosis of bone. The honey can be used as medicament for the management of dry socket.