The Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is conducting research in two main categories: Basic research and clinical research.
Basic research is conducted in the laboratory of the department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and in cooperation with other laboratories in the Medical Center on the following topics:
Osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) and its effect on bone is focusing on the biosynthesis, binding proteins, receptor, intracellular signaling and therapeutic applications of a novel polypeptide hormone, OGP, discovered in the Bone Laboratory at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine.
This growth peptide is being evaluated in experimental head injuries in mice and its effect on bone healing in experimental fractures in rats.
Clinical and experimental studies are performed on the effect of replacement of the synovial fluid, including its hyaluronic acid, on the the efficiency of TMJ movements. The aim of the study is to elucidate whether clinically applied specific molecules will act as an efficient lubricant in the TMJ .
Clinical and experimental studies are performed on mechanisms for neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury using a rodent model of anesthesia dolorosa following transection of a peripheral nerve.
Clinical research is being performed on distraction osteogenesis (Elongation of jaw bones); the use of bone substitutes for augmentation of alveolar ridges; the use of CO2 and Er: YAG Lasers on bone surgery; studies on neuropathic pain; peripheral nerve injuries and regeneration; dental implantology; navigation in surgery; Titanium ossointegration in diabetics; distraction osteogenesis; Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and pathogenesis; the effect of orthognathic surgery on the TMJ.