RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Influence of Timing of Implant Placement on Early Healing Molecular Events

This study is investigating how the timing of dental implant placement affects healing. Dental implants are a common and successful way to replace missing teeth. This research wants to understand if fitting the implant immediately after a tooth is taken out (immediate placement) heals differently compared to waiting some time before fitting the implant (delayed placement). Scientists will look for special markers in saliva that show how the body is repairing and growing bone. By tracking these markers over a month, they hope to learn which timing leads to better healing and why. This information could help improve future dental implant procedures.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

26 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Dental Implant Healing Wound Biomarkers Saliva

What is this study about?

Dental implants are a popular and very successful way to replace missing teeth. They act like an artificial tooth root, providing a strong base for a new crown. While we know implants work well, there's still a lot to learn about the best time to put them in. This study aims to compare two main approaches: putting the implant in right after a tooth is removed (which we call 'immediate placement') versus waiting a while after the tooth is out before placing the implant ('delayed placement').

The researchers want to understand the very early stages of healing, particularly how the bone around the implant (a process called osseointegration) comes together. They'll be looking at tiny biological signals, or 'biomarkers', found in saliva. These biomarkers can tell them about things like inflammation (the body's response to injury), angiogenesis (forming new blood vessels), and how new bone is growing. By regularly collecting saliva samples, they can track these healing processes over time.

The main goal is to see if there are differences in these healing markers depending on when the implant is placed. This information could be really valuable for dentists. Understanding these early healing patterns could lead to better techniques for placing implants, helping people heal faster and more effectively, and ultimately making dental implants even more successful in the long run.

Key takeaways

Compares immediate vs. delayed dental implant placement.
Investigates early healing using saliva samples.
Aims to improve understanding of dental implant success.
Involves a single dental implant in the front/side of the mouth.
Requires about 10-11 visits over 16 months.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you generally need to be at least 25 years old. You should be in good overall health, both physically and mentally, and look after your teeth well. You also need to have a tooth in the front or side of your mouth (from the incisor to the second premolar) that needs to be removed and replaced with a single dental implant.

If you're in the group having an implant placed immediately, the tooth socket (the hole left after the tooth is removed) needs to be healthy, with enough bone around it for the implant to be stable. You also need to have at least one natural tooth next to the gap and a working bite with your back teeth.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include certain serious health conditions that affect your bones, like uncontrolled diabetes or severe rheumatoid arthritis. You also can't take part if you've had HIV or viral hepatitis, if you smoke or use e-cigarettes, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've recently taken certain medications that affect your bones or blood, such as some steroids or blood thinners.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 25 years old or older?
Do you have a tooth in the front or side of your mouth that needs extracting and replacing with a single implant?
Do you generally have good health and look after your teeth well?
Are you free from conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, severe bone diseases, or recent use of certain strong medications (e.g., specific steroids, blood thinners, bisphosphonates)?
Are you a non-smoker and do not use e-cigarettes?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would be involved for at least 16 months, attending between 10 and 11 appointments during that time. These visits will take place at either the Centre for Oral Clinical Research at Queen Mary University of London or the Implant Research Centre at the University of Belgrade. The study involves having a tooth removed and a dental implant placed, either immediately or at a later time, depending on which group you are assigned to.

Throughout the study, samples like saliva would be collected at different times (1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after implant placement) to check for those healing markers. You would also have regular check-ups to monitor your healing and the implant's progress. All procedures will follow standard dental care but within the study's specific timeline and assessment plan.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that it helps advance our understanding of how dental implants heal, which could improve future treatments for everyone. You might also receive attentive dental care as part of the study. However, there are potential risks, similar to any dental procedure, such as discomfort, swelling, or a small chance of infection. You might also face the inconvenience of multiple appointments. It's important to remember that you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Centre for Oral Clinical Research
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small screw-like post made of titanium that's placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. A new crown is then fitted on top of it.

What does 'immediate placement' mean?

'Immediate placement' means the dental implant is put into your jawbone at the same time the natural tooth is removed.

What are 'healing biomarkers'?

These are natural substances in your body, like those found in saliva, that doctors can measure to see how your body is healing or responding to a treatment.

Will I know if I'm getting immediate or delayed implant placement?

Yes, you will be assigned to one of the groups (immediate or delayed placement) and the team will explain which group you are in and what that means for your treatment.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved in the study for at least 16 months, with about 10 to 11 visits to the clinic during that time.

How to find out more

Miljana Bacevic

BHNT.Clinicaloralresearchcentre@nhs.net 02078823063 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.