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

Abstract

Denture stomatitis, frequently encountered, is generally addressed symptomatically, with limited exploration of preventive approaches involving antifungal medicinal plants. This study assessed the impact of Artemisia sieberi extracts on the candida growth of conventional and digitally processed acrylic materials. Thirty acrylic resin discs (3 mm thickness × 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 (α⩽ 0.05). 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 × 3, Ra and CFU were found to be moderately positive and non-significantly correlated (R= 0.664, p= 0.149). At × 4, Ra and CFU were found to be weak positive and non-significantly correlated (R= 0.344, p= 0.503). 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.