Objectives: To determine the effect of natural bioactive additives on the optical, mechanical, and surface characteristics of standard GIC. Materials and methods: The study included four tested groups: nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), Carumcarvi L. (Caraway), (Thymus vulgaris L) Thymol, and (Sesamum Indicum L) Sesame oils, and one control. The following parameters were evaluated: Diametral tensile, shear, Compressive, bond strength, solubility, Surface Roughness, and Color Stability. Results: Mechanical characteristics decreased significantly (p ≤0.05) in all adjusted cements compositions. Solubility and sorption were increased significantly (p ≤0.05) in all amended cement formulations except HA, which showed a non-significant rise in Water Sorption% and Solubility. Color difference mean values are clinically inappropriate (E > 3.3). The mean for 1 and 3% sesame oil-modified cement was lower (3.86 1.44 and 4.11 1.70, respectively). Surface roughness showed a significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Natural bioactive additions added to traditional glass ionomer cement did not improve its mechanical, optical, or surface qualities.

Post-operative hypersensitivity still occurs although the improvements in adhesive systems and their techniques, so the current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two desensitizing systems. Materials and methods:  A total No. of 48 patients were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=16); Gluma group, SAD group, and control group. Class I cavity preparation and self-etch bonding technique was used by Universal bonding system in the control group, before that desensitizing agent was applied in the two desensitizing tested groups, light cured and composite placement incrementally (Tetric N-ceram) and light cured, finishing, and polishing of composite restorations, then VAS system was used to record post-operative hypersensitivity by patients, and after 1 day,1 week and 1 month the data collected and statistically analyzed. Results: Total number of patients who suffered from post-operative hypersensitivity was 15 patients (31.25 %) after one day of treatment, the total number decreased to 9 patients (18.75 %) after one week postoperatively, and after one month the total number decreased again to 4 patients (8.33 %). In all the tested groups 1 day gave a significant difference than one week ( P= 0.011*),,,