properties (Fig. 10.2). Various nanomaterials are being used for the restoration of

decayed, missing and fractured teeth using nanocomposites and nano-ceramics, local

anaesthesia, desensitising agent for dentinal hypersensitivity, tooth and bone regen-

eration, nano-impression materials as well as diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer

(Sharan et al. 2017).

Properties of an ideal nanomaterial in dentistry

•

Superior mechanical strength

•

Higher abrasion resistance

•

Higher optical and aesthetic property

•

Reduced shrinkage

•

Better antimicrobial properties

10.3.1 Nanocomposites

High strength and good aesthetics are the two properties mainly desired in dental

composites. These properties are primarily dependent on the filler particle size of the

composite. The conventional composites, built up of micro-filler particles, exhibit

enhanced aesthetics but not so good strength properties. To develop a composite

restorative material with the required aesthetics and strength, nanofillers have been

used (Lainović et al. 2013). Nanocomposites may contain either the nanosized filler

particles or masses of these nanosized filler particles in the form of ‘nanoclusters’.

Various nanoparticles reported to significantly improve the hardness, flexure

Nanorobots

- Loacal anaesthesis

- Dentin hypersensitivity

- Dentifrices

(Dentifrobots)

- Orthodontic tooth

movement

Quantum Dots

Inorganic semiconductor

nanocrystals of cadmium-

selenide used for oral

cancer diagnosis

Nanoshells

Miniscule beads with

outer metallic layers

(gold/ silver etc.) used

for oral cancer

treatment

Targeted Drug

Delivery

liposomes, micelles,

dendrimers,

polymers, nano-

diamonds, nano-gold

particles and nanogel

Fig. 10.2 Various

nanoparticles added to dental

materials for improved

properties

144

K. Gauba et al.