Application of Atomic Force Microscopy in Dental Investigations

Atomic force microscopy provides a detailed characterization of various dental tissues and processes in the nanometric scale. It is currently applied in dental investigations focused on demineralization of dental hard tissues, observation of dentinal surface and collagen network, bacterial cells and biofilms, dental materials and appliances, etc. Results from various studies in the field of dental caries, tooth hypersensitivity, endodontology, prosthetics, restorative and preventive dentistry can be of clinical benefit in the development of future treatment methods and products. An attempt is made to summarize and analyse the existing data concerning the basic characteristics, advantages and limitations of the application of atomic force microscopy in dental investigations.