Clinical Research Directory

MICRO-SURG: Subgingival Microbiome in Peri-Implantitis, Regenerative, and Resective Periodontal Surgery

This clinical study investigates how the subgingival microbiome changes after three different periodontal and peri-implant surgical procedures: (1) resective periodontal surgery, (2) regenerative periodontal surgery, and (3) peri-implantitis surgery. The aim is to characterize microbial shifts associated with these commonly used surgical treatments and to determine whether the type of surgery influences the recovery or disruption of the subgingival ecosystem. Adult patients with periodontitis or peri-implantitis will receive the procedure indicated for their condition. Subgingival plaque samples will be collected at baseline and at defined postoperative follow-up intervals. Microbiome analysis will be performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and microbial changes will be evaluated with the Subgingival Microbial Dysbiosis Index (SMDI). Insights from this study may help improve prevention, diagnostics, and treatment strategies for periodontal and peri-implant diseases.

Occlusal Load Distribution and Periodontal Status

Occlusal forces are unevenly distributed among teeth during mastication, potentially predisposing certain teeth to higher functional loads. Teeth subjected to increased occlusal loading may be at greater risk of periodontal breakdown, especially in patients with pre-existing periodontal disease. Technological advances, such as mandibular movement recording systems, allow for precise assessment of occlusal contacts and load distribution. However, the relationship between occlusal loading patterns and periodontal status remains insufficiently investigated. This study aims to evaluate whether teeth exposed to higher masticatory loads show an association with periodontal disease severity.

Evaluation of the Effects of the Low-level Laser Therapy as an Adjunct to Nonsurgical Treatment in Patients With Periimplantitis

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in addition to non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with peri-implantitis. The study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of low-level laser therapy on peri-implant soft and hard tissues and to reveal its contribution to treatment success. In this context, the specific objectives of the study are as follows: 1. To evaluate the effects of LLLT added to non-surgical mechanical treatment on clinical parameters such as plaque index, probing depth, bleeding index, and clinical attachment level. 2. To examine the contributions of laser therapy to tissue healing by analyzing biochemical markers in peri-implant sulcular fluid over time.

The Effect of Smoking on Peri-implantitis

the primary aim of this project is to evaluate the microbiological and inflammatory effect of smoking status and smoking severity on periimplantitis lesions. The secondary aim is to compare the effect of smoking on periimplantitis and periodontal microbiota and inflammation in the same individuals. There will include 96 patients, equally divided into four groups: Smokers with peri-implantitis (n=24), non-smoker individuals with peri-implantitis (n=24), smokers with healthy peri-implant tissues (n=24), non-smoker individuals with healthy peri-implant tissues (n=24). Microbiological and biochemical analyses will be performed on the samples taken.

Prospective Longitudinal Clinical Study for the Evaluation of Peri-implant Tissue and Osseointegration After Rehabilitation With Osseointegrated Implants

The success of rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants is associated with numerous factors, including patient characteristics, installed implants, proper planning, and the prosthetic connections used. In the long term, success is closely related to the clinical radiographic follow-up of the implanted region and the identification of intrinsic or extrinsic factors that may interfere with implant survival. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate, through clinical and radiographic analysis, the peri-implant tissues and prosthetic connections of research participants rehabilitated with osseointegrated implants at the Implant Dentistry Clinic of the Federal Fluminense University, over a period of 5 years. This will be a double-blind longitudinal study. A total of 148 research participants will be selected, respecting the inclusion criteria: completion of surgical-prosthetic planning by the Implant Dentistry Clinic team at UFF, including osseointegrated implants and prosthetic components manufactured by SIN Implant System (São Paulo, Brazil); agreeing to and signing the informed consent form, being willing to be monitored for a period of 5 years; systemically healthy patients who do not use antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs; patients with a plaque index \<20% (Ainamo \& Bay 1975) and bleeding on probing \<20% (Muhlemann \& Son 1971) at the start of the study. Participants will undergo clinical and radiographic analysis of peri-implant tissues and prosthetic connections at the following intervals: up to 7 days after implant installation (Time 0), at the time of prosthesis installation (Time 1), 6 months after prosthesis installation (Time 2), and 1 to 5 years after prosthesis installation (Times 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively). It is expected that this longitudinal study will lead to a better understanding of the factors influencing peri-implant bone loss and long-term success.