Nanodentistry: A Review on the Future of Dental Care

Abstract

Aim: The current review sought to examine and critically evaluate the progress, applications, and prospective developments of nanotechnology across diverse dental disciplines. It concentrated on assessing the role of nanomaterials in enhancing restorative, preventive, and regenerative results. The goal was to show how nanodentistry is changing the way dental care is done in clinics. This review also aimed to pinpoint current challenges and research deficiencies in clinical translation.

Methodology: A thorough literature review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, utilising databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We looked through studies that were published between 2000 and 2025 using specific keywords related to nanodentistry. Out of 168 articles that were first found, 45 peer-reviewed studies were chosen after using JBI criteria to check their quality. We took data out and looked at it qualitatively to put nanomaterials into groups based on their types, uses, and performance outcomes.

Results: The results showed that nanotechnology greatly improves the mechanical strength, antibacterial effectiveness, and biocompatibility of dental materials. Silver, zirconia, and nano-hydroxyapatite nanoparticles exhibited significant advantages in restorative and regenerative applications. Regenerative scaffolds that included bioactive nanoparticles increased osteogenic activity and osseointegration by 25–30%. In vitro and preclinical data show promise, but there aren't many large-scale studies on people yet.

Conclusion: Nanodentistry is a new and exciting field that is changing the way we diagnose and treat dental problems and make new materials. The use of nanomaterials improves clinical accuracy, biointegration, and tissue regeneration, which helps SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by making oral health outcomes better. At the same time, research and industry development driven by nanotechnology support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). To make sure that safety, affordability, and accessibility last over time, we need to keep working together across disciplines, as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) says. Nanodentistry is on track to become an important part of next-generation, patient-centered dental care as more research and clinical trials are done.