The physicians of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgeries practice basic and clinical research studies, in addition to the daily medical care.

Basic science research applies classic experiments of various biomaterials, cells, tissues and models, while clinical research practices analysis of past, present and future medical cases and procedures.

We believe that research pushes our field forward for the development of faster, more efficient and minimally invasive therapies

 

Ongoing studies include:

• The use of immune system cells to control the spread of malignant cancerous tumors. This pre-clinical study is performed in collaboration of our colleagues from the Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA. In this study we seek new channels in which the patient’s own immune system can be activated to fight-back malignant tumors
• Characterization of the immune system’s role within pre-malignant lesion of the oral cavity. We are looking for the “finger-print” of immune system components within samples biopsied from these lesions and investigate the correlation to the progression toward malignant tumors
• Conservative surgical treatment for patients diagnosed with Odontogenic ameloblastoma. In this study we provide alternative to patients with this benign, yet aggressive tumor, through routine frequent follow-up evaluations, instead of vast ablation and resection. Our aim is to explore the benefits of this treatment modality and to correlate with chances of recurrence
• The use of the Amelogenin protein for the treatment of sensory nerve injury. This is a basic science pre-clinical study in which we research the potential of a genetically engineered recombinant protein for the repair on the injured nerve
• Minimally invasive endoscopy of salivary glands
• The use of laser-assisted lithotripsy for the treatment of sialoliths (salivary glands stones)

 

List of publications