Nanoparticles in endodontics

Nanoparticles are a class of materials incorporating particulate substances and are characterized by a dimension measuring less than 100 nm. They are signified in their influence of their size and shapes on the physicochemical properties of a substance, which in turn influences their absorption properties (Khan et al., 2019). This chapter reviews conventionally used nanoparticles in regenerative dentistry and will explore how these have been optimized to improve long-term outcomes. It is imperative that endodontic pathologies receive a sustained supply of antimicrobial drugs over a long period of time in order to achieve successful treatment outcomes (Ng et al., 2015). The use of nanoparticles ensures these properties improving overall antimicrobial efficacy, even more so using functionalized nanoparticles. Nanoparticles in the endodontics field has been used in a number of applications including tissue regeneration, drug delivery systems, and antimicrobial administration, mainly aimed at improving overall oral health, particularly by eliminating biofilms and bacteria.