Bee propolis has been increasingly investigated for its potential benefits in oral surgery, particularly due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Several laboratory studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that propolis extracts can inhibit the growth of oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which are implicated in post-surgical infections and periodontal disease. In randomized controlled trials, the topical application of propolis has been associated with reduced post-operative pain, decreased incidence of alveolar osteitis ("dry socket"), and improved healing following dental extractions and other oral surgical procedures.

The active compounds in propolis, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, contribute to its biological effects by modulating inflammatory responses and promoting tissue regeneration. Systematic reviews (e.g., studies published in Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine) have found moderate evidence supporting the adjunctive use of propolis in oral care protocols after surgery, though they caution that heterogeneity in study designs and propolis preparations limits broad recommendations. Overall, while propolis is not a replacement for established medical practices, its use is supported by a growing body of scientific literature as a supplementary agent in oral surgery recovery.