The effectiveness of vitamin C in dental alveolus healing after dental extraction: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Dental extraction is a common procedure in dentistry. It is accompanied by postoperative pain and inflammation. In addition, it decreases bone volume and density. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and cofactor that promotes the synthesis and maturation of collagen, the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and osteoblasts, accelerating the final phase of inflammation, promoting healing. The objective of this scoping review is to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin c in dental alveolus healing after extraction and synthesize the available evidence and tits clinical implications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review is registered on the Open Science Framework platform (https://osf.io/bstwk/). It was carried out under the PRISMA-ScR protocol, using the question: Is vitamin C effective in alveolar healing in patients undergoing dental extraction? The Pubmed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and OPENGREY databases were used. Limiting itself to primary studies.

RESULTS

A total of 287 articles were identified, applying selection criteria, 3 were included. Of a total of 135 patients, 59.8% were administered vitamin C; 46.6% 600 mg, 34.2% 500 mg and 19.2% 1500 mg. A decrease in pain, inflammation, probing depth and mesiodistal length of the socket was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of vitamin C is essential for healing, and therefore, bone regeneration after tooth extraction, reducing adverse effects such as pain and inflammation. Its administration is recommended to promote postoperative recovery. More studies are suggested to observe its effects in oral and maxillofacial surgery.