Nanomaterials for the Management of Multidisciplinary Dental Sciences and Applications

Nanotechnology is emerging as a potential domain in health sciences that has attracted researchers to a great extent. It has revolutionized the field of dentistry with its enormous and widespread applications. The chapter focuses on the diagnostic applications of nanosciences in the biofilm-dependent oral diseases and oral cancer. The use of various nanoparticles such as gold, quantum dots, silver, nanoscale cantilevers, and single-wall carbon nanotubes for diagnostic imaging, immunological assays, targeted drug delivery systems, photothermal, and photodynamic therapy has been discussed. The commonly used technologies such as nanoelectromechanical systems, nanotexturing, optical biosensor, and bio-barcode assay with their applications have been appraised. Novel strategies in the prevention of biofilms, dental caries, and periodontal diseases are deliberated. The chapter also highlights the therapeutic role of nanoparticles in remineralization of tooth defects and repair of microcavities affecting enamel and dentin. The wide applications of nanoparticles in restorative, endodontic, and other interceptive dentistry arenas are reflected in this chapter. The current progress, prospects, and potential future applications with utilization of innovative nanorobots, anesthesia, nanomaterials, needles, bone replacement, etc. have been reviewed.