At first glance, nano-dentistry might seem more like science fiction than reality. However, with the rapid advancement in science, technology, and medicine, it could become a reality in the not-too-distant future. The word “nano” is derived from the Greek word meaning “dwarf.” When combined with technology, “nano” refers to the use of precise and delicate machinery capable of manipulating materials at a molecular or atomic scale. In nanotechnology, atomic-scale building blocks are used to create nearly any product. When applied to the field of dentistry, this technology is referred to as nano-dentistry, a field that could preserve oral health and repair dental damage through the use of nanomaterials, nanorobots, and engineered diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
The Origins of Nano-Dentistry
At the beginning of the 21st century, R.A. Freitas Jr. coined the term “nano-dentistry.” He described how nanorobots could be used in dental restoration and orthodontics. In addition, he presented a vision for the use of nanorobots and nanomaterials to create futuristic dental products such as toothpaste and dental robots. According to his vision, therapeutic interventions in nano-dentistry would include nano-surgery, nano-medicine, and a wide range of other nanomaterials that would profoundly impact clinical dentistry and significantly change our understanding of the field.
Nanomaterials in Dentistry
Many clinical dental applications fall under the category of nanomaterials. These potential applications include nano-molding, nano-ceramics, and nano-composites. Nanotechnology is already being utilized with nano-fillers to create dental molds with highly detailed and accurate dental impressions. These nano-fillers feature superior hydrophilicity, better flow, and reduced gap formation at dental margins compared to traditional fillers.
Ceramics are widely used in dental prosthetics, such as dentures and dental crowns. Although they exhibit high strength, low electrical and thermal conductivity, and other desirable properties, they tend to be quite brittle. This is where nanotechnology plays a role. Nano-ceramic zirconia can be used to improve the stiffness, hardness, transparency, and resistance to corrosion of dental ceramics.
The aesthetics and strength of composite materials are crucial, and both largely depend on the size and dimensions of filler particles. Traditionally, enhancing one feature often came at the expense of another—improving aesthetics often resulted in reduced strength. However, nano-composites are flexible materials that can enhance both strength and aesthetics using various fillers such as barium glass, discrete silica nanoparticles, and pre-polymerized fillers. All of these materials demonstrate superior properties compared to their traditional counterparts. Similarly, new advancements in this field include nano-composite dentures and the use of nanotechnology in creating materials for nano-bone grafts.
Nano-Medicine and Nano-Surgery
Periodontal disease may be treated with nanoparticles that carry antifungal or antibacterial drugs. In the near future, it might be possible to treat periodontal disease using nanotubes and hollow spheres as drug delivery systems. The potential of nanoparticles in scientific research appears promising. For example, an experiment showed accelerated wound healing in burn-injured mice treated with curcumin-loaded nanoparticles.
Nano-solutions with unique dispersible particles can act as agents that bind to other materials or particles. Additionally, nanotechnology could be employed to induce anesthesia using nanorobots. This technology might surpass traditional dental anesthesia methods because it would be faster, needle-free, and thus less anxiety-inducing for patients.
In the future, surgery at the cellular level might be possible, thanks to innovations like nano-manipulators and nano-needles. Further applications of nanotechnology in surgery include the creation of nano-sized suturing needles made from stainless steel with internal crystals. These needles are ideal for incisions that need to be made at the cellular level. Although these advances may sound like science fiction, given the current progress in nanotechnology, they seem increasingly likely to become reality.
