ABSTRACT
Nanohybrid composite resin is one of the most commonly used dental restoration materials. The water absorption capacity of this type of composite resin results in loss of bonds between the resin matrices which affect the hardness and surface roughness of composite resin. This study was performed to determine the effect of soaking 75% concentration of tomato juice on the mechanical properties of nanohybrid composite resin which are water absorption, hardness, and surface roughness. Using a laboratory experimental study with post-test control group design of 30 samples, nanohybrid composite resin was formed by using a stainless steel mold with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm (samples were divided into 3 groups: hardness test group, roughness test group, and control group). Each resin composite's mass was checked before it was immersed on day 0 and after 10 and 12 days. The control group soaked for 24 hours in distilled water, while the other group soaked for 2 hours in tomato juice concentration of 75%, followed by immersion in distilled water for 22 hours. Samples were soaked for 10 and 12 days in an incubator at 37°C. The hardness test uses a micro vickers hardness tester and the surface roughness test uses a surface roughness tester. Based on one-way ANOVA and Tukey Post Hoc showed no significant differences (p< 0.05) in water absorption on day 0, 10, and 12, while the hardness and surface roughness test showed significant differences on day 12 vs the control group.
