Recent advances in nanodentistry: a special focus on endodontics

Root canal ecosystem is a complex environment due to its anatomy and persistence of microorganisms; those may reside within the canal after therapeutic efforts and cause subsequent complications and treatment failure. Nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties have high accessibility to untouched areas of the intracanal ecosystem. Therefore, they have attracted the attention of researchers on the efficacy of nanodentistry in endodontics. This Letter reviews the recent advances in nanodentistry, especially in root canal treatment. In addition, it focuses on the application of nanoparticles in treatment and prevention of a variety of post-treatment infections in endodontics, treatment of antibiotic resistance and bacterial biofilm structures. In addition, it points out applications of nanoparticles in endodontic materials, restorative materials, dental adhesives, implants, prostheses and dentures. At last, the Letter elaborates on how nanoparticles used for targeted endodontic drug delivery and their efficiently controlled releases.