Nanobots: An endodontist saviour

Abstract

The application of nanoparticles in the form of solution for irrigation, medication and as an additive for sealer/restorative material has been evaluated to improve the antibacterial efficacy in the field of endodontics. Recently developed nanobots are injected into the teeth to destroy pathogens and they are more effective in root canal therapy. They are helical shaped and composed of silicon dioxide with iron embedded into the silica body to provide magnetic properties. They are also able to move within the dentinal tubules and are manipulated peripherally through a low-intensity magnetic field. These nanobots can be administered into the cleaned central canal of a tooth samples which are immersed in deionized water and their motions are monitored using a near-infrared imaging technique to produce heat which is a hyperthermia-based bactericidal method which help to eradicate the surrounding pathogens.

Keywords: Dentinal tubules; Enterococcus faecalis; Magnetic field.