Nanotechnology deals with the physical, chemical, and biological properties of structures and their components at nanoscale dimensions. Nanotechnology is based on the concept of creating functional structures by controlling atoms and molecules on a one-by-one basis. The use of this technology will allow many developments in the health sciences as well as in materials science, bio-technology, electronic and computer technology, aviation, and space exploration. With developments in materials science and biotechnology, nanotechnology is especially anticipated to provide advances in dentistry and innovations in oral health-related diagnostic and therapeutic methods.Science is presently undergoing a great evolution, taking humanity to a new era: the era of nanotechnology. The opportunity to witness the beginning of a pioneering development in technology is encountered rarely.The application of nanotechnology to dentistry and the time that will be required to implement the results of research into practice are the first questions that arise regarding nanotechnology in dentistry.The word “nano,” which is derived from the Greek word (nannos) meaning “dwarf,” is a prefix that literally refers to 1 billionth of a physical size.1 One nanometer (nm) is a unit of length that equals 1 billionth of a meter.3 Given that a single hair strand has a thickness of 100,000 nm, it becomes easier to visualize what is meant by “nano” and to understand its significance. The size of atoms is approximately 0.1 nm. Considering that the size of a usable nanostructure is 1 to 100 nm, it is clearly seen that the area of nanotechnology works at the level of atoms and molecules. According to the definition of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, nanotechnology is the direct manipulation of materials at the nanoscale.5 This term defines a technology that enables almost complete control of the structure of matter at nanoscale dimensions. Nanotechnology will give us the ability to arrange atoms as we desire and subsequently to achieve effective, complete control of the structure of matter.The aims of nanotechnology are to enable the analysis of structures at the nanoscale, to understand the physical properties of structures at the nanoscale dimension, to manufacture nanoscale structures, to develop devices with nano-precision, and to establish a link between nanoscopic and macroscopic universes by inventing adequate methods.Nanotechnology is based on the idea of creating functional structures by controlling atoms and molecules on a one-by-one basis.What makes nano-particles interesting and bestows unique features upon them is the fact that their size is smaller than the critical lengths defining many physical events. In general, nanotechnology is translated as “the science of the small.”However, in addition to creating small structures, nano-technology involves inventing materials, devices, and systems with physical, chemical, and biologic properties that differ from those of large-scale structures.
