Quantum dots in oral diagnostics and theranostics represent a rapidly evolving, largely preclinical strategy that couples highly sensitive optical imaging with targeted therapeutic delivery in the oral cavity. Their size-dependent emission, high photostability, and broad excitation spectra allow bright, multiplexed visualization of key molecular events in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma, while surface functionalization with antibodies, peptides, or small-molecule ligands enables selective binding to dysplastic and malignant epithelial cells. In experimental oral oncology, quantum dot-bioconjugates directed against biomarkers, such as EGFR and proliferation markers, have demonstrated significantly higher fluorescence contrast between diseased and healthy tissues than conventional fluorophores, supporting improved sensitivity and specificity for early lesion detection and margin assessment in ex vivo biopsies and small in vivo cohorts. Parallel work in nanodentistry extends these platforms beyond cancer, using carbon and other low-toxicity quantum dots for high-resolution visualization of enamel demineralization, biofilms, periodontal inflammation, and pulp or periapical models, and conceptually integrating them into smart restorative materials and lab-on-chip biosensors for real-time monitoring of caries and periodontal disease activity. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of quantum dots into routine chairside diagnostics and theranostics remains constrained by concerns over heavy-metal toxicity, long-term biodistribution, photodegradation, and the complexity of regulatory approval, so current applications are confined to preclinical imaging, proof-of-concept theranostic designs, and early-stage translational studies rather than established standard of care.

Keywords: Quantum dots, nanodentistry, bioimaging, oral cancer, theranostics, surface functionalization, biocompatibility, dental diagnostics.

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Quantum dots in oral diagnostics and theranostics represent a rapidly evolving, largely preclinical strategy that couples highly sensitive optical imaging with targeted therapeutic delivery in the oral cavity. Their size-dependent emission, high photostability, and broad excitation spectra allow bright, multiplexed visualization of key molecular events in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma, while surface functionalization with antibodies, peptides, or small-molecule ligands enables selective binding to dysplastic and malignant epithelial cells. In experimental oral oncology, quantum dot-bioconjugates directed against biomarkers, such as EGFR and proliferation markers, have demonstrated significantly higher fluorescence contrast between diseased and healthy tissues than conventional fluorophores, supporting improved sensitivity and specificity for early lesion detection and margin assessment in ex vivo biopsies and small in vivo cohorts. Parallel work in nanodentistry extends these platforms beyond cancer, using carbon and other low-toxicity quantum dots for high-resolution visualization of enamel demineralization, biofilms, periodontal inflammation, and pulp or periapical models, and conceptually integrating them into smart restorative materials and lab-on-chip biosensors for real-time monitoring of caries and periodontal disease activity. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of quantum dots into routine chairside diagnostics and theranostics remains constrained by concerns over heavy-metal toxicity, long-term biodistribution, photodegradation, and the complexity of regulatory approval, so current applications are confined to preclinical imaging, proof-of-concept theranostic designs, and early-stage translational studies rather than established standard of care.

Keywords: Quantum dots, nanodentistry, bioimaging, oral cancer, theranostics, surface functionalization, biocompatibility, dental diagnostics.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.