Gold Nanoparticles in Dentistry- Where Cutting Edge Nanotechnology Meets Dazzling Dental Care

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as a promising nanomaterial in modern dentistry due to their unique physicochemical properties, including high surface area-to-volume ratio, ease of functionalization, excellent biocompatibility, and intrinsic antimicrobial activity. This review highlights recent advances in the application of AuNPs across various dental domains, including periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, implantology, and oral cancer diagnostics. AuNPs have shown potential in enhancing the mechanical and biological performance of dental biomaterials, promoting osseointegration in implants, and serving as drug delivery vehicles for site-specific therapies.

Their ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms and fungal colonies further supports their role in combating oral infections and improving oral hygiene. Moreover, AuNPs can be utilized in biosensing platforms and imaging modalities, offering precise diagnostic capabilities. Despite these advantages, challenges such as cytotoxicity at higher concentrations, long-term stability, and regulatory concerns remain to be addressed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, functionalization, and applications of AuNPs in dentistry, along with a discussion on current limitations and future prospects in clinical translation.