Graphene in Dentistry: A Review

INTRODUCTION

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, has been the subject of intense research in recent years due to its unique properties. These properties include high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, high thermal conductivity, and biocompatibility, which make it a promising material for use in various fields, including dentistry.

APPLICATIONS IN DENTISTRY

One of the main applications of graphene in dentistry is in the development of dental restorative materials. Traditional dental restorative materials, such as amalgam and composite resin, have certain limitations, such as poor mechanical properties, low durability and poor biocompatibility. Graphene, on the other hand, has excellent mechanical properties, high durability and biocompatibility, making it a suitable material for dental restorative materials.

Graphene-based composites have been developed for use in dental restorations, with the aim of improving the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of traditional dental restorative materials. In a study published in the Journal of Dentistry, graphene-based composites were found to have improved mechanical properties, high durability and better resistance to wear compared to traditional composite resins.¹ Furthermore, in a study published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, graphene-based composites were found to have improved biocompatibility compared to traditional composite resins.²

Another application of graphene in dentistry is in the development of dental implant materials. Dental implant materials, such as titanium, have certain limitations. Graphene, on the other hand, has excellent biocompatibility and Osseo integration (the process of the implant fusing with the surrounding bone tissue) properties, making it a suitable material for dental implant materials.

Graphene-based composites have been developed for use in dental implant materials, with the aim of improving the biocompatibility and osseointegration properties of traditional dental implant materials. In a study published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, graphene-based composites were found to have improved biocompatibility and osseointegration properties compared to traditional titanium dental implant materials.³ Another study found that Graphene Oxide (GO) coated titanium implant surfaces significantly improved the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.⁴

In addition to restorative and implant materials, graphene has also been explored as an antimicrobial agent in dentistry. Microbes such as Streptococcus mutans, a primary causative agent of dental caries, can colonize on the surface of restorative materials and dental implants leading to secondary caries. Graphene has been shown to have potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including S. mutans.⁵ This opens up the possibility of incorporating graphene into dental restorative and implant materials to improve their antimicrobial properties.

CHALLENGES

Despite the promising potential of graphene in dentistry, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before its widespread use in clinical practice.

One of the main challenges is the lack of long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of graphene-based materials in dental applications.

Another major challenge is the cost and scalability of producing graphene. Graphene is currently produced through a labor-intensive process known as exfoliation, which can be expensive and difficult to scale up for industrial use.⁶ As reported by M.R. Bhat, et al. in their study "The Biomedical Applications of Graphene and Graphene Oxide: An Overview" cost is a significant barrier for the large-scale use of graphene in biomedical applications.

Another challenge is the lack of proper functionalization of graphene. The surface of graphene is highly hydrophobic, which makes it difficult to functionalize with biomolecules such as proteins or DNA. This can limit its ability to interact with cells or tissues in the body.⁷ As discussed by L. Zhang, et al. in their study "Graphene in dental materials: a review", the lack of proper functionalization of graphene is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.

Additionally, the cytotoxicity of graphene to oral cells has been reported in some studies. This can be a concern for its dental application as it may cause toxicity to oral cells. As noted by A. Kaur, et al in their study "Graphene in Dentistry: A Review of Current Applications and Future Perspectives", the cytotoxicity of graphene needs to be evaluated before its use in dental applications.⁸

CONCLUSION

Despite these challenges, the potential of graphene in dentistry is significant, and further research in this field is warranted. The use of graphene-based materials in dental treatments has the potential to revolutionize the field of dentistry by providing more durable and biocompatible restorative and implant materials, and by improving the antimicrobial properties of dental materials.

REFERENCES