Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
21.8.2.3 Nanorobotic Dentifrice (Dentifrobots)
The futuristic proposals of Dentifrobots include subocclusal-dwelling nanorobotic dentifrice deliv-
ered by mouthwash or toothpaste could patrol all supragingival and subgingival surfaces at least once
a day, metabolizing trapped organic matter into harmless and odorless vapors and performing contin-
uous calculus debridement (invisibly small (1-10 μm) dentifrobots, 103-105 nanodevices/oral cavity
and crawling at 1-10 μm/s).
It would be inexpensive purely mechanical devices which can safely deactivate themselves if
swallowed and programmed with strict occlusal avoidance protocols.
Properly configured dentifrobots could identify and destroy pathogenic bacteria residing in the
plaque and elsewhere, while allowing the ~500 species of harmless oral microflora to flourish in a
healthy ecosystem.
Dentifrobots could also provide a continuous barrier to halitosis, since bacterial putrefaction is the
central metabolic process involved in oral malodor.
With this kind of daily dental care available from an early age, conventional tooth decay and gum
disease will disappear into the annals of medical history.
21.9
CONCLUSIONS
Nanotechnological advances should be viewed in the context of other expected developments relevant
to oral health in the coming decades. Nanodentistry faces many significant challenges in bringing its
promises to fruition. It is hoped that dental nanorobots in due time will make fast, painless, and preci-
sion dentistry a reality. At the same time, continual refinement of traditional methods, development of
advanced restorative materials, and new medications and pharmacologic approaches will continue to
improve dental care. Nanotechnology is still in its early stages. A few applications discussed in this
chapter have already been developed and are already helping patients all over the world. As further
research continues in this field, more treatment methodologies will be discovered. Many diseases that
do not have a cure today may be cured by nanotechnology in the future. Some of the concerns were
also discussed, but with proper care these problems can be avoided. Scientists who are against the use
of nanotechnology also agree that advancement in nanotechnology should continue because this field
promises great benefits, but testing should be carried out to ensure the safety of the patients. In the
near future, nanotechnology will one day become part of our everyday life and will help prevent a lot
of dental pathological conditions.
References
[1] K. Donaldson, V. Stone, Nanoscience fact versus fiction, ACM (2004) 113. Full Text (ABI/INFORM.
ProQuest).
[2] A.J. Clarkson, D.A. Buckingham, A.J. Rogers, A.G. Blackman, C.R. Clark, Nanostructured ceramics in
medical devices: applications and prospects, JOM 56 (10) (2004) 38-43 doi: 10.1007/s11837-004-0289-x.
PMID 11196953.
[3] A. Silva Gabriel, Introduction to nanotechnology and its applications to medicine, Surg. Neurol. 61.3 (2004)
