Resorbable Scaffold Clinical Trial: Expression of interest
We are currently recruiting patients for a research study at the UQ School of Dentistry, evaluating a new 3D printed, resorbable scaffold used to rebuild jaw bone before dental implant placement. The scaffold is designed individually from your scans to fit your bone defect and gradually dissolves as new bone forms.
Who can participate
You may be eligible to participate if you are:
- aged 18–65 years
- missing 1–6 teeth and have been told you may need bone grafting before dental implants
- able to attend multiple Brisbane-based appointments over the next 24 months
- generally healthy, with no major uncontrolled medical conditions that affect healing
- a non-smoker or light smoker (including vapes/vaping), or willing to reduce/quit before surgery.
You may be ineligible to participate if you:
- have extensive metallic restorations in the region of interest especially post-core restorations
- are preparing to become pregnant over the next 24 months
- participate in heavy alcohol or chonic drug use
- are taking certain medicines that affect bone or healing i.e. immunosuppressants.
What's involved
A small, custom-made scaffold designed from your scan and 3D printed from biodegradable, medical-grade polycaprolactone (PCL). It’s placed where bone is needed before a dental implant and secured with small screws.
The scaffold holds a protected space so your own bone can regrow. As healing progresses, the PCL gradually dissolves.
The process involves:
- Screening and planning - scans and photos are taken
- Day surgery, including general anaesthetic
- Post operation check up at the one, 2 and 3 month marks
- Bone scan CBCT
- Implant placement
- Tooth restoration
- One-year function assessment.
Benefits of participating
- Reduced treatment costs
- 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.
- Alternative options, including non-resorbable titanium mesh, requires surgical removal.
Cost
The experimental scaffold is provided at no cost.
Some parts of the treatment will be subsidised or discounted through the study. Details can be provided if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Dental implant rehabilitation is still a significant standard of care treatment, so usual clinic/hospital/anaesthetic and restoration fees may apply.
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. With ethics approval and TGA CTN notification in place, we focus on safety, privacy, and informed choice - so you can decide what’s right for you.
More information
Read more in relation to this trial:
Alveolar bone regeneration using a 3D-printed patient-specific resorbable scaffold for dental implant placement: A case reportDownload the patient pamphlet (PDF, 1.1 MB)
If you have any questions about this trial email dent-clinical-trials@uq.edu.au.