A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Effect of Honey and Zinc Oxide Eugenol Dressing for the Treatment of Dry Socket: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Dry socket is a common postoperative complication secondary to any tooth extraction but is more commonly associated with mandibular third molars. Dry socket has been treated with various treatment modalities with different success rates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using honey and zinc oxide eugenol as an intra-socket medicament for the treatment of dry sockets. Ninety patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 “honey”: 30 patients; Group 2 “zinc oxide eugenol”: 30 patients; and Group 3 “control”: 30 patients. Pre-medication and post-medication pain scores at different time intervals were measured on a verbal rating scale. The mean ages of the patients in each of the groups were as follows: Group 1: 44.26 ± 14.14; Group 2: 45.30 ± 18.08; and Group 3: 51.93 ± 9.75. As regards verbal rating scale pain scores, a significant difference was noted in patients that belonged to Groups 1 and 2, with an immediate reduction in post-medication pain scores. However, patients belonging to Group 3 reported pain and discomfort for over a week. The use of honey and zinc oxide eugenol resulted in significant immediate post-medication pain scores in patients as compared to the control group. Therefore, both honey and inc oxide eugenol can be used as treatment options for dry socket patients.