Nanoparticles in Dentistry—Current Literature Review

Abstract

Interest in the topic of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanomaterials used in dentistry is growing in research as well as clinical settings. In recent years, an increasing number of nanomaterials have been developed and tested, enabling novel solutions unavailable in dentistry before. The aim of the article is to review the current status of knowledge regarding NPs used in modern dentistry. The analysis was made using Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus databases, and articles were selected based on relevance and topicality. The exclusion criteria determining timeliness consisted of a selection of essential works on this topic no older than 2017. Regarding appropriateness, only studies on nanoparticles in the field of dentistry were considered, and were categorized into three subtopics: antimicrobial NPs, therapeutic NPs, material property improving NPs. Each category was further divided into specific groups focusing on the clinical use of the particles. Inside every section, analysis concerning the current state of knowledge about the use and properties of nanoparticles within specific material groups was conducted. Additionally, within this article, common and rising trends in the NPs field were analyzed; additionally, based on novel NPs approaches, possible future applications and dangers were considered.