NANOTECHNOLOGY IN DENTISTRY: DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

The rapid development of nanotechnology in medicine and dentistry has led to an exponential increase in the scope of research in this area. Aspects of nanotechnology that have already brought benefits include advanced drug delivery platforms, molecular imaging, and the development of treatment materials in dental practice. The aim of the research. To investigate the current possibilities of using nanotechnology in dentistry for diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods of the research. The materials were used scientific publications by authors conducting their scientific and practical research in the field of dentistry and nanotechnology. The search was conducted in the scientometric databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar using the terms “nanoparticles”, “oral cavity”, “nanomaterials”, “nanodentistry”, “diseases”, “biomaterials”, “treatment”, “diagnostics”. The research was conducted using such scientific methods as theoretical generalization and grouping, formalization, analysis, synthesis, and generalization of the results. The search resulted in the selection of publications for the period 2019-2024 that studied nanotechnology and its application in dental practice in diagnosis and treatment and will be discussed in this review. Results. The article shows a unique feature of nanotechnology, which is that the properties of a material at the nanoscale can differ from those at the macro level. This can be explained by two reasons: first, nanomaterials have a large surface area to volume ratio, which causes their high reactivity and, accordingly, affects their mechanical and electrical properties. Secondly, at the nanoscale, quantum effects dominate the material's behavior, giving rise to interesting observations of its electromagnetic and optical properties. Knowing the beneficial aspects of nanomedicine, scientists are trying to use nanotechnology to diagnose, treat and prevent dental diseases. Nanotechnology is used for sensitive medical procedures. They also demonstrate successful and useful applications for precise pain management, tooth restoration, and reduction of tooth hypersensitivity. Nanomaterials can plug open dentinal tubules, improving patient comfort and overall oral health. Orthodontic therapy has also been revolutionized by nanomaterials with shape memory properties, which enables faster and more efficient tooth movement. The development of revolutionary products and therapeutic alternatives is supported by ongoing research efforts, enabling the creation of dental implants, fillings and prostheses that closely mimic the characteristics of natural teeth. Nano-delivery systems are being developed to deliver drugs precisely into the oral cavity, providing optimal therapeutic outcomes with minimal side effects. This review highlights the multifaceted aspects of nanomedicine and how nanotechnology is proving to be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases. The integration of nanotechnology into dentistry represents a groundbreaking evolution that goes beyond conventional oral care methods, allowing for the development of innovative diagnostic methods and improved oral health. Prospects for further research. Nanotechnology has revolutionized dentistry by changing the way oral care is conceptualized, delivered, and maintained. To develop effective methods for the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases, it is necessary to continue research on the optimization of the mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of dental composite materials based on nanotechnology.