SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATIONS OF NOVEL MISWAK POWDER-BASED DENTAL COMPOSITES

This study aimed to synthesize a novel miswak based dental composite by incorporating miswak powder, chlorhexidine (CHX), and silica fillers in different proportions into a resinous mixture and assess the influence of these fillers on the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of newly developed composites. The stock monomer solution was synthesized using urethane dimethacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Four experimental groups (A, B, C, D) were prepared using 30% stock monomer with 70% filler formulations, while two commercial composites were used as control groups (E, F). The highest value of degree of conversion was shown by Group D, whereas the lowest – by Group A. Compressive strength evaluation showed Group E had the highest value, while the lowest value was recorded for Group B. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assessment showed that all the groups of composites had a biocompatible nature, except Groups A and B, having slight cytotoxicity. Thus, the experimental groups can be used as restorative materials as they exhibited optimum properties.