Chapter 1 - Nanotechnology and its applications in dentistry—An introduction

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a term that is used to describe the science and technology related to the control and manipulation of matter and devices on a scale less than 100nm in dimension. It involves a multidisciplinary approach involving fields such as applied physics, materials science, chemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, surface science, electrical engineering, and robotics. At the nanoscale level the properties of matter are dictated and there are fewer boundaries between scientific disciplines. Generally, two main approaches have been used in nanotechnology. These are known as the “bottom-up” and “top-down” approaches. The former involves building up from atoms into molecules to assemble nanostructures, materials, and devices. The second approach involves making structures and devices from larger entities without specific control at the atomic level. Progress in both approaches has been accelerated in recent years with the development and application of highly sensitive instruments. For example, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning tunnelling microscope (STM), electron beam lithography, molecular beam epitaxy, and so on have become available to push forward developments in this exciting new field. These instruments allow observation and manipulation of novel nanostructures. By investigating and understanding the functionality of materials at the micro/nanoscale level, the scientific community is working toward finding new techniques to achieve maximum functional output from these materials with minimum energy and resource input. Extensive research is being done worldwide to understand the advantages and scientific limitations of nanotechnology and its applications in a wide range of disciplines from material science, biomedical research to space research. In the field of medicine, nanotechnology has been extensively applied in nanoparticle-based drug delivery, nanoscale diagnostic tools, tissue engineering, and biosensors. In the field of dentistry, there have been numerous research work done over the past few decades exploring the applications of nanotechnology in dental biomaterials, dental implantology, dental instruments, nanoparticles/scaffolds for bone regeneration around dental implants and maxillofacial region, and nanodiagnostic tools to diagnose oral pathology. In this chapter the applications of nanotechnology in dentistry have been outlined and are described in the subsequent chapters of this book.