NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnology is commonly considered to deal with particles in the size range <100
nm, and with the nanomaterials manufactured using nanoparticles. The approaches to the
toxicology testing, and assessment of the human and environmental risks are undergoing
rapid development. One risk assessment area of strong interest is the extent to which
nanoparticle and nanomaterial toxicity can be extrapolated from existing data for particles
and fibers.

Nanotechnology has achieved tremendous progress in the past several decades. It is

expected that nanotechnology will change dentistry, health care, and human life more
profoundly than many developments of the past. As with all technologies,
nanotechnology carries a significant potential for misuse and abuse on a scale and scope
never seen before. However, they also have potential to bring about significant benefits,
such as improved health, better use of natural resources, and reduced environmental
pollution.

Nanotechnology has been used for dental applications in several forms, including the field
of prosthodontics with the development of nanobiomaterials as a useful tool. To date,
there has been an exponential increase in studies using nanotechnology for other dental
applications. It is not too early to consider, evaluate, and attempt to shape potential effects
of nanodentistry. Nanodentistry will lead to efficient and highly effective personalized
dental treatments. Nanotechnology seems to be where the world is headed if technology
keeps advancing and competition practically guarantees that advance will continue. It will
open a huge range of opportunities of benefit for both the dentist and the patient.