Abstract
Biomaterials in medicine and dentistry are a relatively new phenomenon dating back to the 1950s; yet, today, an estimated 20 million individuals have an implanted medical device. Nanotechnology is a matter at nanometer level and the application of the same to medicine is called nanomedicine. This technology, which deals with matter in nanodimensions, has widened our views of poorly understood health issues and provided novel means of diagnosis and treatment. Researchers in the field of dentistry have explored the potential of nanoparticles in existing therapeutic modalities with moderate success. In regard to biomaterials, nanotechnology has gained an increasing interest by researchers, particularly in case of dental implants. This is mainly due to the impact of nanoparticles on host responses at both cellular and tissue levels. The growing interest in the dental applications of nanotechnology is leading to the emergence of a new field called nanodentistry. Dentistry is frequently facing revolutions in order to provide a most reliable and comfortable therapeutic options for the patients. Recently, nanotechnology has emerged as a new science exploiting specific phenomena and direct manipulation of materials on nanoscale. Application of nanotechnology in dentistry holds a promise for the maintenance of comprehensive dental care by employing nanomaterials, including tissue engineering and ultimately nanorobots.
