Bionanocomposites in Caries Prevention and Treatment: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the therapeutic effect of remineralizing and antibacterial potential of resin-based nanocomposites compared with conventional composite with/without fluoride release in naturally occurring and post-orthodontic carious lesions. DATA SOURCES: The literature search covered the electronic databases, such as PubMed, EBSCO, and Google scholar, from 2012 to 2021. Only articles published in English were included. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and in-vitro studies were included. All studies which met eligibility criteria were reviewed by two independent reviewers. STUDY SELECTION: The processes involved in the selection of studies were presented in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines for study screening. Finally, based on the eligibility criteria, 13 studies were selected. The remineralizing effects of nanocomposites were compared with conventional composites in clinical trials and in-vitro studies. CONCLUSION: Nanotechnological interventions could be used to improve the therapeutic efficiency in reducing demineralization and growth of the biofilm. Further well-designed clinical trials with long-term follow-up are essential to elucidate the clinical relevance of remineralizing agents.