Recent Advances in Drug Delivery and Oral Health: The Impact of Technology and Digital Advances as a New Frontier

Technological progress is the basis of scientific and clinical advancement in dentistry.\r\nInterdisciplinarity plays a crucial role in this technological evolution. It enables the transfer\r\nand application of knowledge across various medical fields, including bioengineering,\r\nmaterials science, and data analytics, to address challenges in this field [1–3]. The integration\r\nof cutting-edge technologies, such as digital imaging, artificial intelligence, and\r\n3D printing, has revolutionized dental practice, from diagnosis to treatment planning and\r\nexecution. These innovations allow for faster, more accurate diagnoses, more effective\r\ntreatment strategies, and a higher level of precision in procedures. For instance, digital\r\ntools such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scanning have significantly\r\nenhanced the ability to visualize and assess complex dental and maxillofacial\r\nconditions, leading to more accurate diagnostic results and customized treatment plans [4].\r\nThese technologies enhance clinicians’ ability to make informed decisions and have a more\r\npersonalized approach to dental care, as they allow for individualized treatment plans\r\nbased on a patient’s unique biological characteristics, medical history, and preferences [5,6].\r\nMoreover, personalized approaches could improve the oral health of each patient. It is\r\nglobally recognized that oral health is influenced not only by exposure to risk factors\r\nbut also by an individual’s biological and genetic characteristics. To better understand\r\nthese relationships, ongoing research is focused on exploring how oral tissues respond to\r\nvarious medications. This research aims to identify both beneficial effects and potential\r\nadverse reactions to select the most appropriate treatments for each patient based on their\r\nunique genetic makeup and medical history. This approach combines two critical lines\r\nof investigation: studying the genetic predispositions of individuals, and examining how\r\nthese individuals respond to pharmacological interventions.