The Efficacy of Lycopene in Extraction Socket Healing in Diabetic Patients: Split Mouth Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus impairs wound healing, especially after tooth extractions, due to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Lycopene, a tomato-derived antioxidant, may enhance healing through anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress–reducing effects. Aim: Evaluate lycopene’s efficacy in extraction socket healing in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A split-mouth observational study was conducted in diabetic patients requiring bilateral extractions. Lycopene supplementation was applied to one socket; the contralateral socket served as control. Clinical assessments at baseline and days 1, 3, and 7 post-extraction evaluated soft tissue healing and bone density. Results: Extractions were primarily performed for grossly decayed teeth (57.1%), dental caries (28.6%), and apical periodontitis (14.3%). No infections occurred in either group. Pain scores in the lycopene group decreased from 3.93 on day 1 to 0.93 on day 3 and 0 on day 7, versus 5.14, 1.86, and 0.14 in controls. Soft tissue healing was superior with lycopene: all patients had good grades on day 1 and 13 achieved excellent scores by day 7, while only three controls reached excellence. By week 5, all lycopene sockets showed normal hard tissue appearance compared to seven controls. Conclusion: Lycopene supplementation enhances extraction socket healing in diabetic patients by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.