Abstract

EMERGING NANOTECHNOLOGIES IN DENTISTRY: A REVIEW

J. Selvakumar, B. Radhika*, Sai Shamini, Jaideep Mahendra, R. Preethi, M.V. Noblin Shyma and R. Poorani

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the study of minuscule particles; it is the research and development of materials, devices, and systems exhibiting physical, chemical, and biological properties that are different from those found on a larger scale. The associated research and application are equally diverse, ranging from extension of conventional physics to completely new approaches based upon developing new materials with new dimensions on nanoscale. The budding science of nanotechnology, especially within the dental and medical fields, kindle a research interest in their potential applications and benefits in comparison to conventional materials used. The challenge to our profession today is to improve the quality of oral health while overcoming both intrinsic and extrinsic factors which may adversely affect our progress toward achieving this goal. Nanotechnology in medicine currently being developed involves application of nanoparticles to deliver drugs, heat, light or other substances to target pathological cells (such as cancer cells). Particles are engineered so that they are attracted to the targeted diseased cells, which allows direct treatment of those cells. Nanotechnology in dentistry includes tooth remineralisation, dentin hypersensitivity, orthodontic treatment, enhancing properties of root canal sealers, impression making, tissue regeneration and continuous oral health maintenance using mechanical dentifrobots. Therefore, a better vision of the science behind nanotechnology is essential to appreciate how these materials can be utilised in our daily practice.

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