CANDIDA ALBICANS COLONIZATION ON DENTURE BASE MATERIAL FABRICATED BY DIFFERENT METHODS (IN-VITRO STUDY)

Introduction: The increased incidence of oral Candidiasis infections has been accompanied by the rise of the immunosuppressed population. Dentures provide an environment that encourages the attachment and proliferation of potentially harmful organisms. The roughness and wettability of denture base resin surfaces are significant factors in facilitating C. albicans adherence.Objectives: Compare the effect of different denture fabrication methods on C. albicans adherence and proliferation.Materials and methods: 40 specimens were prepared for this study, divided into four groups of different denture base resins which were fabricated using different techniques. Group I was fabricated using heat-cure polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Group II was fabricated by the CAD-CAM milling method, while Group III was fabricated using the 3D-printing method and Group IV was fabricated using the thermoplastic injecting molding resin. C. albicans adherence was measured using two methods: Scanning electron microscope and Direct culture method.Results: There was a statistically significant difference in adherence among the studied groups. While there was a statistically significant difference in Surface Roughness & Contact Angle among the studied groups.Conclusion: Denture bases fabricated with the CAD/CAM milling method are superior to other fabricated methods revealing a higher contact angle and a lower surface roughness leading to a decreased adherence of C. albicans.