Sustained-release delivery systems for treatment of dental diseases.

Sustained-release delivery systems allow the effective targeting of drugs for treating dental and periodontal diseases. Since dental diseases are chronic, the therapeutic agents used should persist in the oral cavity for as long as possible. Implanting fluoride, chlorhexidine, and other antiseptic agents embedded into sustained-release polymeric matrices into the oral cavity prevents cariogenic plaque accumulation. Both fibers and slab-like sustained-delivery devices bearing chemotherapeutic agents reduced periopathogenic bacteria levels associated with clinical improvement. This review provides useful background information for researchers seeking to develop controlled-release delivery systems for dental applications.