Nanoparticles based on metal and metallic oxides have become a novel trend for dental applications. Metal nanoparticles are commonly used in dentistry for their exclusive shape-dependent properties, including their variable nano-sizes and forms, unique distribution, and large surface-area-to-volume ratio. These properties enhance the bio-physio-chemical functionalization, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. Copper is an earth-abundant inexpensive metal, and its nanoparticle synthesis is cost effective. Copper nanoparticles readily intermix and bind with other metals, ceramics, and polymers, and they exhibit physiochemical stability in the compounds. Hence, copper nanoparticles are among the commonly used metal nanoparticles in dentistry. Copper nanoparticles have been used to enhance the physical and chemical properties of various dental materials, such as dental amalgam, restorative cements, adhesives, resins, endodontic-irrigation solutions, obturation materials, dental implants, and orthodontic archwires and brackets. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of copper nanoparticles and their applications in dentistry.
Nanoparticles based on metal and metallic oxide have become a novel trend for dental use as they interfere with bacterial metabolism and prevent biofilm formation. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity by metal ion release, oxidative stress induction and non-oxidative mechanisms. Silver, zinc, titanium, copper, and magnesium ions have been used to develop metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. In addition, fluoride has been used to functionalise the metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The fluoride-functionalised nanoparticles show fluoride-releasing properties that enhance apatite formation, promote remineralisation, and inhibit demineralisation of enamel and dentine. The particles’ nanoscopic size increases their surface-to-volume ratio and bioavailability. The increased surface area facilitates their mechanical bond with tooth tissue. Therefore, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have been incorporated in dental materials to strengthen the mechanical properties of the materials and to prevent caries development. Another advantage of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles is their easily scalable production. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the use of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in caries prevention. The study reviews their effects on dental materials regarding antibacterial, remineralising, aesthetic, and mechanical properties.
Background Non-metallic nanomaterials do not stain enamel or dentin. Most have better biocompatibility than metallic nanomaterials do for management of dental caries. Objective The objective of this study is to review the types, properties and potential uses of non-metallic nanomaterials systematically for managing dental caries. Methods Two researchers independently performed a literature search of publications in English using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The keywords used were (nanoparticles OR nanocomposites OR nanomaterials) AND (caries OR tooth decay). They screened the titles and abstracts to identify potentially eligible publications of original research reporting non-metallic nanomaterials for caries management. Then, they retrieved and studied the full text of the identified publications for inclusion in this study. Results Out of 2497 resulting publications, this study included 75 of those. The non-metallic nanomaterials used in these publications were categorized as biological organic nanomaterials (n=45), synthetic organic nanomaterials (n=15), carbon-based nanomaterials (n=13) and selenium nanomaterials (n=2). They inhibited bacteria growth and/or promoted remineralization. They could be incorporated in topical agents (29/75, 39%), dental adhesives (11/75, 15%), restorative fillers (4/75, 5%), dental sealant (3/75, 4%), oral drugs (3/75, 4%), toothpastes (2/75, 3%) and functional candies (1/75, 1%). Other publications (22/75, 29%) do not mention specific applications. However, most publications (67/75, 89%) were in vitro studies. Six publications (6/75, 8%) were animal studies, and only two publications (2/75, 3%) were clinical studies. Conclusion The literature showed non-metallic nanomaterials have antibacterial and/or remineralising properties. The most common type of non-metallic nanomaterials for caries management is organic nanomaterials. Non-metallic nanomaterials can be incorporated into dental sealants, toothpaste, dental adhesives, topical agents and even candies and drugs. However, the majority of the publications are in vitro studies, and only two publications are clinical studies.
Ceramic nanomaterials are nanoscale inorganic metalloid solids that can be synthesised by heating at high temperatures followed by rapid cooling. Since the first nanoceramics were developed in the 1980s, ceramic nanomaterials have rapidly become one of the core nanomaterials for research because of their versatility in application and use in technology. Researchers are developing ceramic nanomaterials for dental use because ceramic nanoparticles are more stable and cheaper in production than metallic nanoparticles. Ceramic nanomaterials can be used to prevent dental caries because some of them have mineralising properties to promote the remineralisation of tooth tissue. Ceramic minerals facilitate the remineralisation process and maintain an equilibrium in pH levels to maintain tooth integrity. In addition, ceramic nanomaterials have antibacterial properties to inhibit the growth of cariogenic biofilm. Researchers have developed antimicrobial nanoparticles, conjugated ceramic minerals with antibacterial and mineralising properties, to prevent the formation and progression of caries. Common ceramic nanomaterials developed for caries prevention include calcium-based (including hydroxyapatite-based), bioactive glass-based, and silica-based nanoparticles. Calcium-based ceramic nanomaterials can substitute for the lost hydroxyapatite by depositing calcium ions. Bioactive glass-based nanoparticles contain surface-reactive glass that can form apatite crystals resembling bone and tooth tissue and exhibit chemical bonding to the bone and tooth tissue. Silica-based nanoparticles contain silica for collagen infiltration and enhancing heterogeneous mineralisation of the dentin collagen matrix. In summary, ceramic nanomaterials can be used for caries prevention because of their antibacterial and mineralising properties. This study gives an overview of ceramic nanomaterials for the prevention of dental caries.
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