Iontophoresis in Oral Healthcare: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Abstract

Iontophoresis is a physical drug delivery-enhancing technique that was introduced at the beginning of the preceding century. For decades, iontophoresis research was focused on studying delivery-enhancing mechanisms and was limited to a few therapeutic applications. The preparation used in iontophoresis should be soluble in water, of a small voltage, and prone to ionization. More mobility is seen with smaller particles. Iontophoresis could increase the diffusion of drugs into dentin, enamel, and other oral tissues. The chief drugs delivered or studied by iontophoresis in dentistry are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics, antibacterial drugs, and fluorides. Systemic and local drug administrations are the two basic classifications for drug delivery in the oral cavity. Improved local and systemic medicine administration is made possible by the non-invasive technology known as iontophoresis (IP). Iontophoresis was primarily researched for transbuccal medication administration in the oral cavity. For various drugs, buccal iontophoresis significantly improved drug delivery as compared to passive transport. To treat oral problems locally in the oral cavity, iontophoresis can improve drug penetration into the oral tissues. Iontophoresis has been tested for use in dentistry to cure hypersensitivity and periodontal disease as well as to create local anesthesia.