eJOURNAL OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL RESEARCH

Scientific Universities Network (SUN)

Running projects

Immediate Implants in Esthetic Zone

Immediate Implant Placement after Tooth Extraction in the Esthetic Zone: Extraction Socket Morphology-Guided Treatment Modalities and Esthetic Outcome

Participating Universities: Hacettepe University (Turkey), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), University of Granada (Spain), University of Michigan (USA)

Associate Professor Tolga F Tozum from Hacettepe University (Turkey), Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys, Dr Algirdas Puisys, Dr Povilas Daugela from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Associate Professor Pablo Galindo-Moreno from University of Granada (Spain) and Professor Hom-Lay Wang from University of Michigan (USA) are going to start new project “Immediate Implant Placement after Tooth Extraction in the Esthetic Zone: Extraction Socket Morphology-Guided Treatment Modalities and Esthetic Outcome”. This study aims to examine dimensional alveolar ridge alterations and prevent buccal plate resorption and soft tissue recession following immediate implant placement in extraction sockets in the maxillary esthetic zone using different socket morphology-guided treatment modalities.

Expected results of the study are:

·       To have found the optimal materials and GBR procedures modalities for buccal plate resorption degree reduction;

·       Soft tissue recession and best esthetic result achievement.

There will be possibilities to study socket morphology influence on final esthetic result achievement.

Cellulose Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

Development of a Novel Composite Scaffold of Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Cellulose for Bone Tissue Engineering

Participating Universities: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), University de Aveiro/CICECO (Portugal), University of Porto (Portugal)

Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys and Dr Povilas Daugela from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Professor Jolanta Liesiene, PhD student Odeta Petrauskaite from Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Professor Maria Elisabete Jorge Vieira Costa and Professor Maria Margarida de Almeida from University de Aveiro/CICECO (Portugal), Professor Maria Helena Fernandes and Assistant  Professor Pedro de Sousa Gomes from University of Porto (Portugal) started new project “Preparation of a Novel Composite Scaffold of Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Cellulose for Bone Tissue Engineering”. The main goal of the study is to develop a novel biodegradable composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering material according to the bionic principle. In vitro cytotoxicity and cell biocompatibility of the scaffold testing will be prepared. Following in vitro characterization, the biomaterial-mediated bone regeneration will be assessed in vivo, by experimental surgical techniques reaching hand of animal models of bone tissue regeneration.

Expected results of the study are;

 ·        Novel biodegradable composite scaffold with a desirable physico-chemical and biological properties to meet the essential

       requirement for bone tissue engineer materials will be created.

Sublingual Artery Variations Study Using CT and CBCT in Implant Dentistry 

 Evaluation of Sublingual Artery Variations Related to Dental Implant Treatment with Computerized Tomography

 Participating Universities: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Hacettepe University (Turkey), University of Granada (Spain), King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), Near East University (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), University of Michigan (USA)

Professor Gintaras Juodzbalys and Dr. Marius Kubilius from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania), Associate Professor Tolga Fikret Tozum from Hacettepe University (Turkey), Associate Professor Palo Galindo-Moreno from University of Granada (Spain), Assistant Professor Khalid Al-Hezaimi from King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), Assistant Professor Guney Yilmaz from Near East University (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and Professor Hom-Lay Wang from University of Michigan (USA) are going to start a new clinical project about the analysis of sublingual fossa in mandible anatomic formation, including sublingual artery. This multi-center study aims to analyze the characteristics of sublingual artery course in mandible on computerized tomography sections and to evaluate its relation to the surrounding bone with regard to endosseous implantation.

Expected results are:

 ·      To understand the formation and location of sublingual artery prior to dental implant insertion because this may result with

        mortality due to severe bleeding.

 ·      To elucidate its variations and incidence in different parts of the world.