Nanotechnology: A New Strategy to Treat Dental Hypersensitivity

Abstract

Dental Hypersensitivity is the most commonly encountered dental problems associated with short, sharp pain
rising from exposed dentine in response to stimuli such as tactile, osmotic and chemical. Hypersensitivity
may present on several teeth, in one area of the mouth, or on one specific tooth. DHS should be differentiated
from another tooth sensitivity which may elicit from other clinical conditions such as dental caries,
microleakage, cracked tooth or fractured restorations. Several treatment strategies such as desensitization
of nerve endings, masking of dentin tubules, occlusion of dentin tubules, and iontophoresis, are prevalent
in clinical practices. Stannous ions, most commonly used in toothpastes as stannous fluoride, have been
demonstrated to occlude dentine tubules in vitro. SnF2 toothpaste formulations have been used for several
decades and are widely accepted as an effective DH treatment. Recently advanced nanotechnology has taken
a wide leap in improving the various measures in the treatment of hypersensitivity by its nano particles.
Nano structures have superior hardness, elasticity and flexural strength leading to its better application.
Biomimetic particles desensitizing effect of nanocrystals which is caused by the progressive closure of the
tubular openings of the dentine with plugs. These advancements have progressed the growth in the treatment
of Dental Hypersensitivity and have evoked a great amount of attention for improving disease prevention.