Introduction: Silver, especially silver nanoparticles have been extensively researched for their antimicrobial properties against different types of microorganisms. Nanotechnology has proven to have a big impact on several medical fields and dentistry is not an exception. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the specific characteristics of silver and the applications and advantages it brings to the field of dentistry. Procedure: Systematic electronic scientific database research was conducted that included PubMed, Scopus and Cohrane. The following keywords were used: silver, nanoparticles, dentistry, antibacterial activity. Literature reviews were included that dealt with use and importance of silver in all fields of dentistry. Overview: Silver has a long history in its use and importance that dates back to the ancient Rome and Greece where it was used as disinfection agent and for other medical purposes such as treating wounds and burns. Silver was also used as an antibiotic because of its antimicrobial properties way up to 1950-ies, when it was replaced by penicillin and other antibiotics. In the field of dentistry one of the most important tasks is to prevent the formation of dental caries for which silver is an excellent choice due to its properties. Also, in dental hygiene it can be used as an antiseptic because it reduces the formation of dental plaque. Conclusion: The literature indicates that silver, especially silver nanoparticles, will have a huge influence in the field of dentistry because of its important qualities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity. Although most of the products that benefit from the qualities of silver nanoparticles are still not cheap and unlimited, we can predict that major development and interest regarding dental biomaterials with silver can increase in the near future.