Current trends in the use of nanotechnology in restorative dentistry

Nanotechnology is gaining tremendous impetus due to its capability of modulating matter at smaller and smaller level which drastically changes the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of materials. Nanoparticles have been introduced into oral health care products with good potential to be extensively used for various dental applications. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent nanotechnological developments for caries prevention and remineralization of incipient carious lesions. Possible uses of nanoparticles incorporated into various dental restorative materials, pit and fissure sealants and bonding adhesives is also reviewed. Furthermore, biomimetic growth of organized nanoapatite based coatings that closely resembles the hierarchical architecture of human enamel formed under close to physiological in vitro condition is discussed.