Reinforcing Restorative Dentistry: The Dual Role of Carbon Nanotubes in Material Enhancement and Therapy

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have garnered considerable interest in dentistry due to their exceptional properties, including high tensile strength (TS), low weight, chemical stability, and antimicrobial activity. These attributes make CNTs valuable for enhancing the mechanical performance and therapeutic potential of dental materials. Recent advances have demonstrated their effectiveness in dental composites, improving flexural strength (FS), wear resistance, and minimizing polymerization shrinkage. Furthermore, their antimicrobial properties contribute to the prevention of secondary caries and increase the longevity of restorations. Beyond restorative uses, CNTs show promise in drug delivery and tissue engineering, particularly in bone regeneration and periodontal therapy. However, concerns about biocompatibility remain, primarily due to potential cytotoxicity associated with metal impurities. Surface functionalization is critical in improving biological interactions and reducing toxicity. Despite these challenges, CNT-based dental materials represent a promising frontier in strengthening restoration and combating microbial threats. This review explores the dual role of CNTs in restorative dentistry and targeted therapeutics, synthesizing current evidence and outlining future directions for clinical application.