Nanotechnology in dentistry: Present and future perspectives on dental nanomaterials

Abstract

Objectives: The number of dental nanomaterials has increased significantly over the past years. A variety of commercial dental nanomaterials are available and researched. Nevertheless, how these nanomaterials work, what makes them special and whether they are superior to traditional dental materials is not always clear to dentists and researchers. The objective of this review paper is, therefore, to give an overview of the principles of nanomaterials and basic research and applications of dental nanomaterials.

Methods: The fundamentals of materials science of nanomaterials as well as their advantages and disadvantages are elaborated. The most important dental nanomaterials are discussed. This is mainly based on a survey of the literature and a review of the most frequently cited scientific papers in the international peer reviewed journal Dental Materials over the past five years. The developments of commercial dental nanomaterials as well as aspects of their clinical use are considered in this review.

Results: Nanomaterials have unique structures and properties that distinguish them from other materials. The journal Dental Materials is the journal with the highest numbers of articles and citations on the subject of dental nanomaterials. The most frequently reported dental nanomaterials are nanocomposites, nanoparticles, antimicrobial nanomaterials and bio-mineralization systems. Hallmarks of dental nanomaterials include a set of unique properties and challenges in the preparation of these materials.

Significance: By understanding the physical principles of dental nanomaterials, their strengths, limitations and their specific benefits will be better appreciated. Dental nanomaterials have potential for the future but currently do not always exhibit superior properties, for example in clinical situations.

Keywords: Antimicrobial biomaterials; Dental nanomaterials nanoparticles; Nanocoatings; Nanocomposites.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Principle of particle crushing in a ball mill. The large milling balls crush particles within their active volume (shaded area between the milling balls). Image courtesy J. Bossert und I. Firkowska-Boden, FSU Jena.

Fig. 2

Packing of particles of different sizes relevant for dental composites and dental ceramics. Nanoparticles allow to fill the voids between the larger particles and, thus increase the particle packing density. Image courtesy J. Bossert und I. Firkowska-Boden, FSU Jena.

Fig. 3

Microbial adhesion of S. Aureus and E. Coli on nanorough titanium (2D nanomaterial). The microbial surface coverage depends on the nanoroughness and the type of microbe (shown left). The adhesion of the microbes is mediated by nano contact points between the titanium and the microbes (shown in the center, SEM-FIB micrograph). In addition to the nanoroughness, the surface peak density of the titanium plays an important role in the microbial adhesion.