Silver nanoparticles in dentistry: An emerging trend

Abstract

Nanotechnology, the term currently revolutionized the research field associated to particles at nanometer scale (1–100 nm). Nanoparticles (NPs) can occur naturally be industrially engineered or exist as byproducts. With their greater surface to volume ratio, these materials are more reactive as compared to non nanoscale particles. This unique property makes these materials as fillers/modifier of choice in different products and materials, whereby they play a vital role in improving the properties. Silver NPs find use in many devices that are used in medical procedures, in therapies and molecular diagnostics, including dentistry. However, the recent studies showed concern about environmental and health associated risks with their use.

Keywords

• antimicrobial agent
• nanoparticles
• toxicity