<i>In-situ</i> gel drug delivery system as a viable approach to periodontal therapy: A comprehensive review

This narrative review summarizes recent advances in in situ gel drug delivery systems for periodontal therapy, focusing on formulation strategies, the pharmaceutical agents involved, and their clinical applications. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for English-language articles published from 2000 to 2024 using relevant keywords. Articles were selected based on their clinical significance, scientific rigor, and relevance to periodontal treatment. In situ gels use physiological stimuli such as pH, temperature, or ions for sol-to-gel transition, enabling sustained and localized drug release into periodontal pockets. These systems aim to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce systemic side effects. However, limitations like inconsistent gelation, low mechanical strength, and limited long-term clinical data hinder widespread clinical adoption. Future research should focus on formulation optimization and rigorous clinical trials to facilitate the integration of in-situ gels into routine periodontal care.