Iontophoresis as an Effective Drug Delivery System in Dentistry: A Review

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method to improve drug delivery by the application of an electric field. The iontophoresis process causes deeper penetration of ions using electric current. The drug delivered through iontophoresis was found to be around 10 to 2,000 times more than conventional forms of delivery. The better results were shown by alternating current (AC) than conventional constant current (DC) iontophoresis. 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, anti-bacterial drugs, and fluorides. To enhance the ability of drug transfer nanomaterials were introduced. Under the impact of iontophoresis, remineralizing nanomaterial can be injected at larger concentrations in the deeper layer of incipient caries. Due to the size of nanocomplexes, it is possible that they will diffuse into the body of the subsurface lesion and enter the porosities to improve remineralization utilizing the iontophoresis approach. The concept of the application of an electric current for drug delivery was introduced several years ago in clinical practice, research, and literature. This review focuses on iontophoresis application in dentistry, its mode of action, and how the technique can be utilized in a beneficial way.