Emerging nanomaterials for dental treatments

Abstract

The emergence of nanomaterials for dental treatments is encouraged by the nanotopography of the tooth structure, together with the promising benefits of nanomedicine. The use of nanoparticles in dentistry, also termed as ‘nanodentistry', has manifested in applications for remineralisation, antimicrobial activity, local anaesthesia, anti-inflammation, osteoconductivity and stem cell differentiation. Besides the applications on dental tissues, nanoparticles have been used to enhance the mechanical properties of dental composites, improving their bonding and anchorage and reducing friction. The small particle size allows for enhanced permeation into deeper lesions, and reduction in porosities of dental composites for higher mechanical strength. The large surface area to volume ratio allows for enhanced bioactivity such as bonding and integration, and more intense action towards microorganisms. Controlled release of encapsulated bioactive molecules such as drugs and growth factors enables them to be delivered more precisely, with site-targeted delivery for localised treatments. These properties have benefitted across multiple fields within dentistry, including periodontology and endodontics and reengineering of dental prosthetics and braces. This review summarises the current literature on the emerging field of nanomaterials for dental treatments.

[Retracted] Role of Nanoparticles in Environmental Remediation: An Insight into Heavy Metal Pollution from Dentistry

“…Furthermore, in order to reduce the friction and efficient movement of tooth, inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles have been coated as dry lubricants on orthodontic wires [37]. Moreover, alumina nanomaterials have been added to increase the mechanical strength of plastic polymer braces [38].…”

Emergence of Nano-Dentistry as a Reality of Contemporary Dentistry

“…The use of charged nanoparticles is extremely useful since many of the microorganisms are themselves charged. The charged nanoparticles could be used to directly affect the bacteria or alter the microenvironment of it [75][76][77] In the era of nano-dentistry, a colloidal suspension containing millions of active analgesic micron-size dental robots will be instilled on the patient's gingiva. After contacting the surface of crown or mucosa, the ambulating nanorobots reach the pulp via the gingival sulcus, lamina propria, and dentinal tubules guided by combination of chemical gradients, temperature differentials, and even positional navigation all under the control of the on-board nanocomputer that is controlled by the dentist [78].…”

The Biological Activity of Fragmented Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing Dental Materials before and after Exposure to Acidic Environment

“…Encapsulated bioactive compounds, including drugs and growth factors, can be supplied more accurately and with site-targeted delivery for localized treatments through controlled release. The reengineering of dental prostheses and braces, as well as periodontology, endodontics, and other areas of dentistry, have all benefited from these qualities [ 33 ].…”