Epigenetic treatment for bone loss around dental implants
Epigenetic Therapy of Periimplantitis
Researchers are trying to use epigenetic approaches to reduce bone loss and inflammation around dental implants for people with peri-implantitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on peri-implantitis, the inflammation and bone loss that can occur around titanium dental implants. Researchers have used rat models and lab cell studies to show that titanium particles increase reactive oxygen species and change gene regulation through the SETD7-SFRP1-Runx2 epigenetic pathway. They plan to target that epigenetic pathway in preclinical experiments to prevent or reverse implant-associated bone loss. If successful, this work could guide new treatments that dentists might offer to patients with failing implants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with signs of peri-implantitis—inflamed gums and bone loss around titanium dental implants—would be the ideal candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People without dental implants, or whose implant problems are purely mechanical or too advanced for biological repair, are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that stop or reverse bone loss around dental implants and help preserve failing implants.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work in rats and cell studies has pointed to this epigenetic mechanism, but epigenetic therapies for peri-implantitis in people are still novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diekwisch, Tom — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Diekwisch, Tom
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.