Salivary monitoring of healing following tooth extraction and dental implant placement: Expression of interest

Do you need a tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant?

We are currently recruiting patients for a research study at the UQ School of Dentistry. This study looks at how bone heals following tooth extraction, and whether saliva can be used to monitor the healing process. Suitable patients would need to have a tooth that requires extraction and replacement with a dental implant.

Who can participate

You may be eligible to participate if you are:

aged 18–75 years
Need to have one tooth in the front of your mouth removed (with a single root, not a molar tooth) and replaced with a dental implant
Have generally healthy gums
Able to attend multiple Brisbane-based appointments over the next 18 months
Generally healthy, with no major uncontrolled medical conditions that affect bone and gum healing
Light smoking or vaping (<5 cigarettes per day) and willing to quit or vape.

You may be ineligible to participate if you:

Significant bone loss around nearby teeth
Weakened immune system
Uncontrolled diabetes
Pregnant (and do not plan a pregnancy within the next 6 months) or breastfeeding
Taking medications that affect bone healing
Have had radiation therapy to the head or neck
Current smokers

What's involved

Attend an initial appointment at the UQ School of Dentistry
Have one tooth removed as part of your planned treatment
Receive either standard natural healing or Assisted Ridge Preservation (a method used to support bone healing after tooth removal)
Provide small saliva samples at a few time points (quick and non-invasive)
Attend follow-up visits so we can monitor your healing
Receive a dental implant as part of your treatment plan
Attend follow-up appointments for up to 12 months after your dental implant placement

Benefits of participating

No negative effect on treatment outcome, irrespective of treatment group.
Extra care: more frequent check-ups, imaging and follow-up than usual care.
Contributes to research that could improve care for others.
You can withdraw at any time without affecting your routine care.
Reduced treatment costs

Cost

Graft materials (valued at around $500) are provided at no cost, and the dental implant is offered at a discounted rate (approximately $500 off).

Some parts of the treatment will be subsidised or discounted through the study. Details can be provided if you meet the eligibility criteria.

How to participate

If you meet the eligibility criteria and you're interested in participating, register your interest.

About us

UQ School of Dentistry translates jawbone regeneration research into patient-centred care. Our study is clinically led by Professor Saso Ivanovski, a specialist periodontist and world-leading clinician scientist. With ethics approval and ANZCTR in place, we focus on safety, privacy, and informed choice - so you can decide what’s right for you.