Guaiacol/β-cyclodextrin for rapid healing of dry socket: antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and bone repair—an animal study

Purpose Dry socket (DS) is one the most common and symptomatic post-extraction complications; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. This study aimed to develop a novel dressing material for DS containing the phenolic agent guaiacol and evaluate its biological properties. Methods An inclusion complex of guaiacol and β-cyclodextrin (Gu/βcd) was prepared by freeze-drying. Its antibacterial activity over six oral bacteria was analyzed using the microdilution method, and its cytotoxicity in osteoblasts was assessed with the MTT assay. The alveolar healing process induced by Gu/βcd was evaluated histologically after the treatment of DS in rats. Results βcd complexation potentiated Gu’s antibacterial effect and reduced its cytotoxicity in osteoblasts. Bone trabeculae were formed in the alveolar apices of rats treated with Gu/βcd by day 7. On day 14, woven bone occupied the apical and middle thirds of the sockets; on day 21, the entire alveolus was filled by newly formed bone, which was in a more advanced stage of repair than the positive control (Alvogyl™). Conclusion The improvement in Gu’s biological properties in vitro and the rapid alveolar repair in comparison with Alvogyl™ in vivo demonstrated the benefits of the Gu/βcd complex as a future alternative for the treatment of DS.