| With the rapid development of nanotechnology, in recent years, the application of advanced materials in dentistry is widely researched. Some scientists agree that nanomaterials might be very useful in caries prevention and treatment, as well as in reconstructive dentistry and bone regeneration. Some of compounds currently in focus include titanium, silver nanoparticles, chitosan, calcium phosphate, nano-hydroxyapatite, and nanoceramics. Certain materials may have unique physical and chemical properties that make them applicable in design of dental implants. Other nano-based systems are suitable for experimental research in fundamental medical/dental sciences such as cell biology and histology. However, some important issues, such as local and systemic toxicity of certain nanomaterials need to be resolved before they can be more widely used in clinical practice. This concise review focuses on recent research on potential application of these advanced compounds in oral physiology, pathophysiology and clinical disciplines. |
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