Understanding how tiny blood vessels behave around dental implants
Official title: Dissecting Mechanisms of Microvascular Function in Peri-Implantitis
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11450500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Georgetown University looks at why blood vessels near dental implants leak and become inflamed, with the goal of spotting problems early in patients who have implants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $559,869 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035479-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with dental implants who are at risk for peri-implant inflammation and related vascular changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without implants or without inflammatory conditions around implants may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project examines how endothelial barriers in the gums around dental implants respond to bacterial signals and implant-derived particles. The researchers will study how inflammation from bacteria and titanium debris affects microvascular function and tissue health using models that reflect human oral tissues. The aim is to map the timing and location of barrier disruption to identify early markers of peri-implant disease. Findings could guide new ways to prevent or treat peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis in patients with implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with implants may receive earlier warning signs and better prevention or treatment options for peri-implant diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that bacterial factors and titanium debris can drive inflammation, with ongoing work exploring barrier integrity in blood vessels.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alimperti, Stella — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Alimperti, Stella
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
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Using CCL2 to treat bone loss around dental implants
This study is looking at a new way to help people with peri-implantitis, a condition that causes inflammation and bone loss around dental implants, by using a special protein to help the body heal and keep the area healthy without needing surgery.
-
How diabetes affects inflammation and infection around dental implants
This study is looking at how high blood sugar from diabetes might lead to gum problems around dental implants, and it aims to find ways to prevent these issues for people with diabetes by understanding the bacteria in their mouths better.
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.