Intra-socket application of medical-grade honey after tooth extraction attenuates inflammation and promotes healing in cats

OBJECTIVES: Dental diseases are a major problem in cats and often necessitate tooth extraction. Medical-grade honey (MGH) has antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, and therefore the aim of this study was to investigate whether intra-socket application improved healing after tooth extraction. It was postulated that applying MGH would reduce inflammation, improve the viability of the surgical flap and enhance healing following tooth extraction. METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled trial was performed in client-owned cats undergoing bilateral tooth extractions of the same element of the canine or (pre)molar tooth. A split-mouth design was used in which every animal served as its own control. After surgical extraction of the elements, the sockets on one side were filled with an MGH-based ointment (L-Mesitran Soft), whereas the contralateral side received no treatment (control). A mucoperiosteal flap was used on both sides, and simple interrupted monofilament sutures were placed. No antimicrobial drugs were administered. Clinical parameters (inflammation/redness, flap viability and wound healing) were subjectively analysed on days 3 and 7 post-extraction by a veterinarian blinded to the treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-one cats were included. MGH significantly decreased signs of inflammation (P <0.01), improved mucoperiosteal flap viability (P <0.01) and promoted wound healing (P = 0.01), at both time points. MGH was easy to apply and there were no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Intra-socket application of MGH after tooth extraction positively affects the surgical wound, as it reduces redness, improves flap viability and enhances wound healing. Applying MGH represents a potent adjuvant therapy to support intra-oral wound healing after tooth extraction.