Prevention of plaque bio-film formation on tooth and restriction of secondary caries are two challenging objectives in present scenario. Recent trends in dental nano initiatives have highlighted the implementation of silver nanoparticles with various dental materials. Concepts of using nanoscale modified restorative materials have displayed interesting results in reducing bacterial colonization and bio-film formation on tooth surface. Advent of newer nanomaterials has led to improvement in mechanical and biological properties of conventional materials. More intense comparative research on ability to inhibit microbial bio-films and restore secondary decay has meticulously concluded nanomaterials to be more efficacious. Biomimetic enamel like nanocrystals could open newer ways for remineralization. However, the search for significant documentation on clinical applicability of these materials still persists. The toxicity issues of nanomaterials/nanocomposites are areas to be searched for in future. The present review focuses primarily on the advanced preventive and restorative aspects of nanotechnology in dentistry. Keywords: Oral biofilms, dental caries, silver nanoparticles, tooth lesion remineralization, applications of Ag NPs, synthetic enamel, biomimetic, nanoparticle Cite this Article Shaleen Vyas, Sandesh Nagarajappa, Dasar Pralhad L et al. Nano approaches to preventive and restorative dentistry: an updated review. Nanotrends: A Journal of Nanotechnology and its Applications. 2016; 18(1): 1–9p.
