Applications of Silver Nanoparticles in Dentistry: Advances and Technological Innovation

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been successfully applied in several areas due to their significant antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms. In dentistry, AgNP can be applied in disinfection, prophylaxis, and prevention of infections in the oral cavity. In this work, the use of silver nanoparticles in dentistry and associated technological innovations was analyzed. The scientific literature was searched using PubMed and Scopus databases with descriptors related to the use of silver nanoparticles in dentistry, resulting in 90 open-access articles. The search for patents was restricted to the A61K code (International Patent Classification), using the same descriptors, resulting in 206 patents. The results found were ordered by dental specialties and demonstrated the incorporation of AgNPs in different areas of dentistry. In this context, the search for patents reaffirmed the growth of this technology and the dominance of the USA pharmaceutical industry over AgNPs product development. It could be concluded that nanotechnology is a promising area in dentistry with several applications.

Post-operative Pain and Antibacterial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Formulations Intracanal Medication: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

“…Nowadays, AgNPs are being incorporated in various medical and dental materials and devices because of its inhibitory effects on the growth of microorganisms. The specific antibacterial mechanism of AgNPs is not yet clear; however, several mechanisms were proposed including interacting with cell wall and membrane causing lysis, disturbing protein synthesis, or inhibiting DNA replication [7].…”

“…Lately, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained much attention due to their unique characteristics, which lead to being incorporated in various dental materials [7]. AgNPs seem to be potential antibacterial agents due to their large surface-to-volume ratios and surface structure which can be a valuable additive to endodontic materials [8], and specifically as an intracanal medication alone [9] or in combination with Ca(OH) 2 .…”

Nanostructures as Targeted Therapeutics for Combating Oral Bacterial Diseases

“…Fixed orthodontic treatments hamper the proper cleaning process, leading to biofilm buildup and white spot lesion formation. After orthodontic therapies with fixed appliances, there are significant increases in the amounts of cariogenic bacteria and biofilm formation [51]. Adding NPs to the orthodontic adhesives can reduce the frictional force be-tween the orthodontic bracket and wire, improve the antimicrobial properties, and prevent enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatment [52].…”

Surface Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Nanocomposites Reinforced by Nano-Sized Silica (SiO2) for Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

“…In recent years, advances in nanomaterials and technology have captured increased attention because of their unique structures and properties. Development of nanomaterials has strengthened many applications in medicine and dentistry [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Polymeric nanocomposites are a class of nanomaterials in which nanoscale particulates such as spherical inorganic minerals are dispersed within polymeric matrices [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”