Nanotechnology in Restorative Dentistry

Nanotechnology has emerged as a significant advancement in restorative dentistry, offering novel approaches to enhance the mechanical, aesthetic, and biological performance of restorative materials. Manipulation of materials at the nanoscale has enabled the development of restorative systems with improved durability, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties. However, the translation of these laboratory-driven innovations into predictable long-term clinical outcomes remains uncertain, highlighting the need for critical evaluation of existing evidence. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate current evidence on the applications of nanotechnology in restorative dentistry, focusing on nanocomposite materials, bioactive and remineralizing nanoparticles, antibacterial nanomaterials, and nano-enhanced adhesive systems, while assessing their clinical relevance, limitations, and future research needs. An evidence-based narrative review was conducted using a structured literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between January 2000 and June 2025. Relevant in vitro studies, animal studies, clinical trials, and high-quality r