Nanotechnology And Its Role In Oral Surgery

For most patients, a trip to the dentist will fill them with apprehension. Oral surgery tends to be an even worse fear for many, as it often combines complex procedures with painful recoveries. Many oral surgeons work with the technologies they have to improve their techniques and outcomes, but in recent studies, the outlook for patients may improve with the introduction of nanotechnology. 

What is Nanotechnology? 

Nanotechnology is a branch of technology that works on the nanoscale, the same scale used to manipulate atoms and molecules. By looking at these structures, this type of technology has advanced in many fields, including medicine. During the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers at John Hopkins University created a nanoimprint lithograph sensor that could detect the virus and other viruses and helped contribute to manufacturing the hand-held detection devices we see today. 

Scientists and medical researchers are now turning to nanotechnology for therapeutic purposes. In some studies, the use of liposomes, or empty nanoscale vesicles, was tested for potential drug delivery purposes. By working with the collagenase enzymes produced by our bodies, we can remodel the mouth fibers connecting the teeth to the bone without the need for scalpels. Although the development of these liposomes has been challenging for these researchers, the collagenase treatment has shown some success with moving the teeth of rats, with their teeth moving three times faster than with better recovery results than those who went through traditional surgery methods. 

So, what does this mean for the future of oral surgery? Nanotechnology has many implications for how oral surgeries in the future can be performed, especially for patients with extensive forms of misalignment that require shifting the collagen fibers under the gums before braces can be put in place. For those who may face the outlook of wearing braces in the future, nanotechnology has the potential to: 

• Reduce Surgery Time: For the oral surgeon, they can work with a nanotechnology delivery system that’s more accurate, easier to control, and overall reduces the number of invasive methods needed to correct their patient’s teeth.
• Lessen Overall Costs: The potential of nanotechnology can lead to a less costly procedure for the patient involved, bringing better access to oral care for everyone involved. 
• Provide A Less Painful Recovery: Patients may experience a better recovery time after their procedure due to the lack of invasive techniques used for their treatment.
• Improve Orthodontic Results: Because of the factors mentioned above, patients can experience better health with their treatments and see the results in less time, effort, and money. 

Contact Your Local Oral Surgeon For The Latest Treatments

Nanotechnology has many implications for the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery, but it’s still in its research stages at the moment. In the meantime, while we wait for this technology to be released, why not schedule an appointment with your local dentist? Your dentist will be able to provide you with the best resources you need for your oral health and can recommend you to a trustworthy oral surgeon that will care for your needs with the best technology at hand.