The nanotechnology concept and its applications to dentistry

In recent years, the reflections of the rapidly developing nanotechnology applications on medicine and dentistry seem to be very promising. the term “nanotechnology” in general meaning refers to the manipulation of matter at atomic and molecular scale. the aims of nanotechnology basically are to investigate the physical properties of structures by manufacturing and analysing nanoscale structures, to evolve nano-scale devices with nano-precision, and to link nanoscopic and macroscopic universes by developing appropriate methods. nanodentistry can be described as the science and technology of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral and dental diseases, pain relief and improvement of dental health using nanostructured materials and enables the maintenance of oral health using nanomaterials, biotechnology comprising tissue engineering and dental nanorobots. in this review, making a brief description on nanotechnology concept and its applications to dentistry has been aimed.