Assessing the effect of Artemisia sieberi extracts on surface roughness and candida growth of digitally processed denture acrylic materials

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Denture stomatitis, frequently encountered, is generally addressed symptomatically, with limited exploration of preventive approaches involving antifungal medicinal plants.

OBJECTIVE:

This study assessed the impact of Artemisia sieberi extracts on the candida growth of conventional and digitally processed acrylic materials.

METHOD:

Thirty acrylic resin discs (3 mm thickness $\times$ 10 mm diameter) were prepared by conventional or CAD/CAM technology (milling and 3D printing). The resin discs were exposed to simulated brushing, thermocycling, and immersion in Artemisia sieberi extract for 8 hours. The surface roughness of the discs was assessed at baseline and after immersion in Artemisia sieberi extract. Candida growth was quantified through colony-forming units (CFU/mL). Data was analyzed using SPSS v.22 ( $\alpha ⩽$ 0.05).

RESULTS:

Irrespective of the material type, the post-immersion surface roughness was significantly higher compared to pre-immersion values ( $p<$ 0.05). Candida growth was significantly higher in conventional acrylic materials than digitally fabricated acrylics ( $p<$ 0.05). At $\times$ 3, Ra and CFU were found to be moderately positive and non-significantly correlated ( $R=$ 0.664, $p=$ 0.149). At $\times$ 4, Ra and CFU were found to be weak positive and non-significantly correlated ( $R=$ 0.344, $p=$ 0.503).

CONCLUSION:

Artemisia sieberi extracts had a notable impact on digitally fabricated denture acrylics, reducing candida albicans growth compared to conventional heat-cured acrylic. This suggests a potential role for these extracts in improving denture hygiene and preventing denture stomatitis, particularly in the context of digitally fabricated dentures.