Development and Characterization of Novel Dental Composites Using Locally Sourced Materials in Pakistan

Background and objective: Dental composites' dependence on pricey imported components often raises price concerns and restricts accessibility in restorative dentistry. In Pakistan, using locally produced materials presents a viable alternative for more affordable and environmentally friendly dental treatments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate dental composites sourced from locally available materials in Pakistan for cost-effectiveness, performance, and durability.

Methodology: A study comprising 385 patients, aged 18-65 years, who underwent composite restorations made of novel materials, was carried out at Sardar Begum Dental College, Peshawar, from January 2023 to December 2023. Patient comfort, aesthetic quality, and durability were the three main criteria used to assess clinical performance. The physical characteristics of adhesion strength, wear resistance, and hardness were evaluated in lab settings. Costs for materials, processing, and clinical application were all considered in a thorough cost study. SPSS version 26 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used for the statistical analysis, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The novel composites were compared with standard materials using t-tests, and cost differences were assessed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The novel composites exhibited superior performance with a durability of 12.57 ± 1.83 months (n = 385 patients), compared to 11.05 ± 2.38 months for conventional composites (p < 0.05). They also scored higher in aesthetic quality (8.35 ± 1.48 vs. 7.82 ± 1.59) and patient comfort (4.52 ± 0.79 vs. 4.27 ± 0.83) (p < 0.05). Laboratory tests showed greater hardness (48.79 ± 3.22 Vickers), better wear resistance (0.28 ± 0.05 mm³), and higher adhesion strength (22.96 ± 1.68 MPa) (p < 0.05). Cost analysis revealed significant savings, with total costs per patient of PKR 8,980 for novel composites vs. PKR 33,000 for conventional composites (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Novel dental composites developed from locally sourced materials demonstrate superior performance and significant cost reductions, highlighting their potential to enhance the accessibility and affordability of dental care in Pakistan.