Nanoparticles in dentistry

ObjectiveNanoparticles having a size from 1 to 100 nm are present in nature and are successfully used in many products of daily life. Nanoparticles are also embedded per se or as byproducts from milling processes of larger filler particles in many dental materials.Methods and ResultsRecently, possible adverse effects of nanoparticles have gained increased interest with the lungs being a main target organ. Exposure to nanoparticles in dentistry may occur in the dental laboratory, by processing gypsum type products or by grinding and polishing materials. In the dental practice virtually no exposure to nanoparticles occurs when handling unset materials. However, nanoparticles are produced by intraoral adjustment of set restorative materials through grinding/polishing regardless whether they contain nanoparticles or not. Nanoparticles may also be produced through wear of restorations or released from dental implants and they enter the environment when removing restorations. The risk for dental technicians is taken care of by legal regulations. Based on model worst case mass-based calculations, the exposure of dental practice personnel and patients to nanoparticles through intraoral grinding/polishing and wear is low to negligible. Accordingly, the additional risk due to nanoparticles exposure from present materials is considered to be low. However, more research is needed, especially on vulnerable groups (asthma or COPD). An assessment of risks for the environment is not possible due to the lack of data.SignificanceMeasures to reduce exposure to nanoparticles include intraorally grinding/polishing using water coolants, proper sculpturing to reduce the need for grinding and sufficient ventilation of treatment areas.