Nanoparticles in Endodontics - A Review

BACKGROUND The complex anatomy of root canal makes it very difficult to clean and shape to eliminate the bacteria in the canal. Multiple root canal medicaments and irrigants are used to eliminate the canal microbials. Many of the pathogens have undergone resistance to the medicaments and the irrigants used. Thus, antibacterial nanoparticles have been introduced to overcome this problem. Nano dentistry mainly infers the use of nanomaterials and dental nanorobots in the field of diagnosis and treatment, aiming improvement in complete oral health. The use of nanoparticles is extending in many oral health-related issues such as management of dentin hypersensitivity, elimination of bacterial biofilm, diagnosing as well as treating oral cancers, bone replacement and so on. It possesses a unique physical and chemical property. The usage of nanoparticles in different forms like solutions for irrigation, as intracanal medication, in conjunction with sealers or restorative materials aimed at evaluating and mainly improving the antimicrobial efficacy in endodontic and conservative treatments. These nanoparticles act on the bacteria through various mechanisms. The bactericidal effect of the nanoparticles has been investigated in many in vitro studies. In the field of endodontics, nanomaterials are inculcated mainly focusing on strategies improving antimicrobial efficacy, mechanical integrity of already diseased dentinal matrix, regeneration of the tissues and many more. Recently, many more new technologies are in process to be tested in the field, keeping an eye on overcoming the microbial challenge. This review intended to give a look on the literature available, uses, applications and advantages of the nanoparticles in endodontics.