Background: Hyaluronic acid is widely used in the medical field. However, there is a lack of research about its effect
on patients with certain risks, such as compromised wound healing commonly found in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid on the post-extraction
wound healing and pain in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Material and Methods: The randomized controlled split-mouth study was designed, which included 30 patients with
poorly controlled type 2 diabetes with a bilaterally same teeth in the lower jaw for extraction. The sockets treated
with 0.8% hyaluronic acid represented the study group, while the sockets where hyaluronic acid was not applied
represented the control group. Wound closure rate (WCR), clinical scores in wound healing scale (WHS) and pain
intensity in Visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Patients were followed up on 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th day after
tooth extraction. Results: The results showed a higher WCR at the extraction site where hyaluronic acid was applied. Also, statistically
significant difference was found (p < 0.001). In regards to WHS, the sockets treated with hyaluronic acid showed better
healing, especially on day 10 (p=0.006) and day 15 (p=0.021). However, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS scores between groups.
Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid placed in post-extraction socket in patients with poorly controlled diabetes may improve
wound healing, especially in the first days after application.
