The use of nanoparticles as biomaterials in dentistry

•Nanoparticle (NP) applications have become useful in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and dental imaging.•NPs have been widely used in dentistry due to its antimicrobial action on controlling of oral biofilm.•Use of polymeric and metallic NPs into dental biomaterials improves its mechanical, physical & biological properties. Maintenance of oral health is a major challenge in dentistry. Different materials have been used to treat various dental diseases, although treatment success is limited by features of the biomaterials used. To overcome these limitations, materials incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) can be used in dental applications including endodontics, periodontics, tissue engineering, oral surgery, and imaging. The unique properties of NPs, including their surface:volume ratio, antibacterial action, physical, mechanical, and biological characteristics, and unique particle size have rendered them effective vehicles for dental applications. In this review, we provide insights into the various applications of NPs in dentistry, including their benefits, limitations, properties, actions and future potential. This review explores the benefits of incorporating various types of nanoparticle into dental biomaterials and their applications in different fields of dentistry.