Evaluation of healing in mandibular molar extraction sockets with and without turmeric gel

CONTEXT: In the present era of allopathic medication usage, there is always a risk of toxicity. Turmeric is a wonderful natural herb with excellent healing properties and a plethora of many clinical trials in dentistry. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of healing in mandibular molar extraction sockets with and without turmeric gel. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric gel with the objective of analyzing the soft tissue healing in mandibular molar extraction sockets with and without turmeric gel. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The split-mouth study design with randomization of the sites was done using the sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelope (SNOSE) in the same patient indicated for bilateral lower molar extraction. A total of 50 patients were included in the study, who were divided into group A, 25 patients in the experimental site using turmeric gel, and group B, 25 patients in the control site without turmeric gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Turmeric in the form of gel was used in the experimental site to evaluate its efficacy in soft tissue healing of the mandibular molar extraction socket. The extraction sites of the same patient were evaluated for soft tissue healing on postoperative day 1, day 7, and day 21 using Landry, Turn Bell, and Howley scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A comparison of soft tissue healing between group A and group B, which showed a consequential difference in group A on day 7 with P = 0.001 and day 21 with P = 0.001, was significant. RESULTS: Results revealed postoperative day 1 showed a significant beginning of healthy granulation tissue formation in both the groups. There was a consequential difference in soft tissue healing in group A on postoperative day 7 and day 21 as compared to group B. The turmeric in the form of gel proved to enhance the soft tissue healing in the mandibular molar extraction socket. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that enhanced soft tissue healing of the extraction socket of the mandibular molar was present in the turmeric gel group on postoperative day 7 and day 21 than in without the turmeric gel group.