The changing phase of prosthodontics: Nanotechnology

Abstract

Science is presently undergoing a great evolution, taking humanity to a new era: The era of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the field of science and technology pertaining to the creation and use of materials or devices at nanometer scale. Nanoscale is small in size, but its potential is vast. Since 1990s, nanotechnology has been exploited for potential medical and dental applications. Nanotechnology has numerous applications in the field of nanomedicine, nanomaterials, nanorobotics, implantology, and biotechnology. Nanomaterials in dentistry can be metals, ceramics, polymers, implant modifications, and composite materials that demonstrate novel properties when compared with conventional materials due to their nanoscale features. The present article focuses on the various applications of nanotechnology in the field of dentistry, especially prosthodontics.