Tina Bhardwaj explores nanotechnology, a new development in dentistry with the potential to create more durable restorations.
Imagine a world where dental cavities can heal themselves before they cause pain. With the rise of nanotechnology, this vision becomes a reality. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic scale, and has transformed several areas of medicine already. In dentistry, its application promises the creation of more durable, biologically compatible materials, transforming both preventive and restorative care. Â
While preventive dentistry solely focuses on patient compliance alongside fluoride based interventions restorative materials continue to face challenges regarding their aesthetics, biocompatibility and mechanical resilience (Dipalma et al, 2024).
Nanotechnology can work to offer solutions to both of these issues by enhancing material performance, and introducing nano sized tri-calcium phosphate (TMP) in fluoride toothpaste (Nagata et al, 2023), thereby enhancing remineralising potential for patients and reducing early carious lesions.
Despite the potential, nanotechnology faces significant barriers to clinical usage due to high production costs, ongoing ethical debates and safety concerns.Â
This article intends to explore how nanotechnology is increasingly influencing both preventive and restorative dentistry by evaluating current uses and projecting the future of nanotechnology. I will focus on three core areas of dentistry: endodontics, periodontal disease and dental materials.
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