Nanomaterial-Enhanced Dentistry: A Clinical Perspective

Dental health is a critical component of the overall well-being, yet billions of people worldwide suffer from various dental diseases, according to the World Health Organization. The conventional diagnosis and treatment methods possess limitations in mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and several others. Nanotechnology presents a promising solution for addressing these challenges by enabling the development of novel materials with enhanced properties, currently regarded as "nanodentistry". By employing the unique properties of nanomaterials in oral diseases, an effective, infection-less dental treatment can be envisioned. Although nanomaterials have great promise in dentistry, the existing literature often lacks a comprehensive overview of their clinical applications across various oral diseases. This review explores current nanodental applications, discusses commercial products, examines translational challenges, and outlines future prospects for integrating nanomaterials across various dental specialties.