Nanotechnology in Dentistry: Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in modern dentistry, offering novel solutions for prevention, diagnosis, restoration, and regeneration. This review synthesizes recent advances in nanomaterials and nanosystems applied across dental specialities, restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implantology, oral surgery, and diagnostics. Important innovations include antimicrobial and self-healing resin composites, nano-enabled implant surface modifications, nano-drug delivery, and quantum-dot-based imaging. Key challenges are toxicity, biocompatibility, regulatory barriers, high manufacturing costs, and limited long-term clinical evidence. Nanotechnology holds significant clinical potential in dentistry; however, its successful translation into safe, effective, and widely accessible treatments requires rigorous translational and clinical trials, strict ethical oversight, and scalable manufacturing processes.