From Detection to Treatment: Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors Transforming Prosthetic Dentistry and Oral Health Care: A Scoping Review

Background: Nanomaterial-based biosensors represent a transformative advancement in oral health diagnostics and therapeutics, offering superior sensitivity and selectivity for early disease detection compared to conventional methods. Their applications span prosthetic dentistry, where they enable the precise monitoring of dental implants, and theranostics for conditions such as dental caries, oral cancers, and periodontal diseases. These innovations promise to enhance proactive oral healthcare by integrating detection, treatment, and preventive strategies. Objectives: This review comprehensively examines the role of nanomaterial-based biosensors in dental theranostics, with a focus on prosthetic applications. It emphasizes their utility in dental implant surveillance, the early identification of prosthesis-related complications, and their broader implications for personalized treatment paradigms. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and early 2025. Keywords included combinations of “nanomaterials”, “biosensors”, “dentistry”, “oral health”, “diagnostics”, “therapeutics”, and “theranostics”. Articles were selected based on their relevance to nanomaterial applications in dental biosensors and their clinical translation. Results: The review identified diverse classes of nanomaterials—such as metallic nanoparticles, carbon-based structures, and quantum dots—whose unique physicochemical properties enhance biosensor performance. Key advancements include the ultra-sensitive detection of biomarkers in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid, the real-time monitoring of peri-implant inflammatory markers, and cost-effective diagnostic platforms. These systems demonstrate exceptional precision in detecting early-stage pathologies while improving operational efficiency in clinical settings. Conclusions: Nanomaterial-based biosensors hold significant promise for revolutionizing dental care through real-time implant monitoring and early complication detection. Despite challenges related to biocompatibility, scalable manufacturing, and rigorous clinical validation, these technologies may redefine oral healthcare by extending prosthetic device longevity, enabling personalized interventions, and reducing long-term treatment costs. Future research must address translational barriers to fully harness their potential in improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes.