Nanodentistry: novel approaches

Nanodentistry has evolved as a new science of nanotechnology that helps in diagnosing, treating, preventing oral and dental disease, and improving dental health by using nanomaterials. These nanomaterials include clusters of atoms, grains, fibers, films, crystals, and nanoholes. The orientation of these nanomaterials can be in one dimension, for example, nanofilms and foils; two-dimensional, for example, carbon nanotubes or three-dimensional, for example, quantum dots; nanoshells, and dendrimers. The characteristic nanoscale pattern present on the surface and within the nanomaterials determines their dedicated functionalities. These nanostructures have wide applications in oral diagnosis and therapeutics, which can reduce dosage and side effects of drugs. Dentifrices with hydroxyapetite crystals provide protective coating on tooth enamel and restores surface of damaged teeth. Currently, dental materials have been replaced by nature-analog, surface-engineered dental implants, and anisotropic tooth restorations. Remineralization of damaged teeth has been achieved by using “sensitive” toothpastes containing nanoparticles. Nanostructure Ti products are used in dental implants because of high biocompatibility especially Grade 4 titanium. It has been shown that fabricating a nanostructured titanium implant can regulate the macrophage inflammatory response and improve the performance of the implant. The unique property of dendrimers and nanoshells make them promising tools to be used as therapeutics for oral cancer treatment. Graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite (GZNC) acts as an effective coating agent for dental implants by inhibiting Streptococcus mutans , which is the primary agent in dental caries. A significant reduction in the formation of oral biofilms was found in the presence of GZNC. This chapter focuses on the role of nanostructures to keep teeth and oral tissues healthy and functioning. The challenges faced by this technology for the betterment of human health have also been discussed.