Terahertz Technology – A New Frontier in Oral Cancer Diagnostics

Background: Terahertz (THz) technology is a promising non-ionizing and non-invasive imaging modality that has gained considerable attention in biomedical diagnostics owing to its ability to differentiate tissues based on water content, dielectric properties, and unique molecular signatures. Recent advances in THz imaging, including near-field, single-pixel, and real-time techniques, have improved spatial resolution, imaging speed, and tissue characterization, facilitating applications in cancer detection and intraoperative tumour margin assessment. Aim: This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the current applications and emerging advances in THz technology, with particular emphasis on its potential applications in oral medicine and dentistry, cancer diagnostics, tissue characterization, and intraoperative guidance. Methods: An extensive narrative review of the available literature was undertaken to summarize the principles, imaging modalities, biomedical applications, and recent technological advances in THz technology, with particular emphasis on applications in oral medicine and dentistry. Conclusion: THz technology demonstrates considerable potential as a versatile diagnostic and imaging platform in oral medicine and dentistry, particularly for early cancer detection, tumour margin assessment, tissue characterization, oral potentially malignant disorders, dental caries, periodontal evaluation, and restorative material analysis. Its applications have also extended to several other medical and multidisciplinary fields. Integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning may further enhance diagnostic capabilities. However, strong water absorption, shallow penetration depth, high equipment cost, and the absence of standardized clinical protocols remain important barriers to widespread clinical implementation. Continued technological development and multicentre clinical validation may facilitate the translation of THz technology into routine clinical practice.