Noni – An Effective Solution for Denture Storage

Abstract

BACKGROUND A plant extract of Morinda citrifolia has been known as an analgesic to treat and heal patients with various health problems ranging from body aches to microbial infections. Every component of this medicinal plant can be made use of to cure diabetes and many other systemic disorders. The role of Morinda citrifolia in dentistry is mostly limited to endodontics, whereas not much evidence is seen in the area of prosthetic dentistry. Hence, the present study has been conducted to study the effects of this magical plant extract on storage and disinfection of acrylic dentures. METHODS Samples of ten rectangular heat-cured polymethylmethacrylate resin moulds were fabricated by the traditional technique of denture processing. Five specimens were dipped in distilled water (Group 1) and the other five specimens were immersed in Morinda citrifolia (Group 2) for 20 days after which they were subjected to UTM testing to evaluate flexural strength. Results were analysed using Mann Whitney Utest (P < 0.05). RESULTS Statistical analysis proves that polymethylmethacrylate slices immersed in the test group (Morinda citrifolia / group 2) showed superior thermal conductivity than the control group (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS The flexural strength of Polymethylmethacrylate had increased after storing in Morinda citrifolia for twenty days when compared to storage in distilled water. Thus, Morinda citrifolia can be used as an effective storage medium without any changes in the flexural strength. KEY WORDS Plant Extract in Dentistry, Thermal Conductivity, Heat Cure Acrylic Resin, Geriatric Patients