Mapping the Dental Applications of Nanosilver Fluoride: A Narrative Review

Advances in nanotechnology have been changing the face of dentistry with their diverse range of dental applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a relatively new breakthrough in dentistry. Aim: The main objective of this paper is to discuss the current progress in the field of dentistry and highlight the aspects regarding silver nanoparticle incorporation, emphasizing the properties, applications, and advantages of nanosilver fluoride (NSF) that it brings to dentistry. Materials and methods: An extensive electronic scientific search was conducted on published articles in various databases, such as Medline (PubMed), CENTRAL (Cochrane), Scopus, and Web of Science, using the search terms AgNPs, nano dentistry, caries prevention, and oral health. Further brief communications, randomized controlled trials (RCT), in vitro research, and animal studies written in English were also considered. Case reports, editorial reviews, and opinion letters were excluded from the first phase of our research. Results: Pertaining to various kinds of literature reviews in journals, around 345 articles were retrieved. After screening, about 28 articles met all the selection criteria, focusing on NSF for the contemporary management of dental caries, emphasizing microinvasive therapeutic methods that can successfully halt the progression of caries at the initial level and minimize the loss of sound tooth structure. Conclusion: Due to its exceptional properties and wide range of clinical applications, AgNPs incorporated in fluoride may be employed as an effective, affordable, and improved anticaries agent that brings about superior enhancements in the fields of orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and pediatric and preventive dentistry.