The effect of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa l.) flower petal extract on smear layer removal of crown dentin

One of the initial stages carried out before making a restoration is the tooth preparation. The debris resulting from the preparation process of the tooth structure is called the smear layer. Dentin conditioner is needed to remove the smear layer so that the crown dentin surface is clean and the restoration can adhere well. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)  are a herbal ingredient that has acidic properties found in its flower petals. This research was conducted to determine the effect of roselle flower petal extract on the removal of the smear layer on crown dentin. Eight human maxillary first premolars from orthodontic extraction patients were used as samples. This pre-experimental study was conducted with a test group consisted of control group conditioned with sterile distilled water and treatment group with 2,5%, 5%, and 10% of roselle flower petal extract. The research data was obtained through observing the results of scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Roselle flower petal extracts 5% and 10% were able to clean the smear layer better than extracts with a concentration of 2.5% and the control group. This may be due to the acidic pH of the solution and demineralization process caused by the presence of citric acid and other organic acids in roselle flower petal extract.