The effect of acemannan sponges in post-extraction socket healing: A randomized trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe vera gel, on tooth socket healing, 3 months after surgical removal of mandibular partial bony impacted third molars. Materials and methods: Ninety-nine volunteers (18-24 years old) participated in this random controlled trial. After surgical removal, the sockets were randomly divided into acemannan sponge treated and non-treated control groups. Periapical radiographs of the socket were obtained immediately and after 3-month post-surgery. The bone-healing rate was evaluated by (i) the percentage radiographic density of formed bone in the socket and (ii) the change in percentage radiographic density of formed bone in the socket. Results: No adverse effects or dry sockets were experienced by any of the subjects. The percentage radiographic density of the sockets at 3-month post-surgery in the acemannan-treated group was significantly greater than control (p < 0.01). The change in percentage radiographic density of the acemannan-treated group was also significantly higher than that of the control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: At 3-month post-surgery, acemannan increased the bone density and tooth socket healing of mandibular partial bony impacted third molars. (C) 2015 Asian AOMS, ASOMP, JSOP, JSOMS, JSOM, and JAMI. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.