Periodontal Disease Clinical Research Center

The Periodontal Research Center at Buffalo is funded by the National Institutes of Health as one of their specialized clinical research centers for the study of periodontal disease. The center has enjoyed continuous support since 1977 and has received funding until 1998.

Past studies have focused on etiology and host response in periodontal disease and have led to the development of concepts and regimes for anti-infective therapy. Most recently, the UB researchers have begun epidemiological studies to identify risk factors for periodontal disease. To date, diabetes, smoking, the presence of periodontal pathogens, stress, distress, and coping measures have been identified as potential risk factors for periodontal disease. Future studies include a continuation of studies of putative risk factors, including longitudinal incidence studies to firmly establish risk factors. The center will also carry out intervention studies directed at modulating risk factors for better management of periodontal disease risk populations.

Three new areas of research have been added:

• Studies of the use of growth factors to regenerate periodontal ligament, cementum, and bone around periodontally diseased teeth, and to regenerate bone around implants and in surgical defects
• The study of the determinants of host susceptibility in localized juvenile periodontitis with an emphasis on abnormalities in the family of seven transmembrane chemokine receptors
• Development of a novel class of natural antibiotics derived from neutrophils, termed defensins, and bactenecins. The structure/function relationship and eventual use of these antibodies in the treatment of oral infections such as periodontal disease.

The Periodontal Research Center's full-time staff provides opportunities for dental and medical students, graduate students, and visiting scientists to participate in clinically oriented research projects. The center also serves as a regional center for management of severe and unusual cases of periodontal disease.

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