Current and emerging trends of nanotechnology in interdisciplinary dentistry- A review

Abstract

Nanotechnology comprising of nanoparticles, nanodiagnostics and nanorobotics have been intensively studied since they were found to fit perfectly in applicative fields, including medicine, chemistry, informatics and communication, industry, and energy generating. Nanosized particles can be used in medicine as nanomedicine for diagnosis, drug targeting and controlled delivery, or tissue engineering. Moreover, depending on their biological behavior, some bioactive or bioresorbable nanomaterials can be successfully used for both tissue reconstruction and as state-of-the-art implant biomaterial doping or coatings for improved mechanical properties, chemical stability, esthetic aspects, better host cell adhesion and antimicrobial effects. Application of nanotechnology in dentistry is promising for the maintenance of comprehensive dental care by employing nanomaterials including tissue engineering and ultimately nanorobots. This review summarizes the basics of nanotechnology, applications in dentistry with emphasizes on current and future perspective of nanotechnology in interdisciplinary dentistry and challenges faced by it in the current scenario.