Research summary
Periodontal disease begins when the epithelial seal around a tooth, which is formed by a specialized portion of the gums, fails. Dr. Antonio Nanci, Canada Research Chair in Calcified Tissues and Biomaterials, and Structural Imaging, is studying the interfacial biology between gums and teeth and between soft and hard host tissues and implants.
Nanci’s research could lead to a new design for implants that can improve healing and stability in dental and orthopaedic reconstructions, which will be particularly helpful for aging patients with compromised health, bone status and healing capacity. He and his research team are also looking at a number of critical but unresolved questions in oral health, epithelial stem cells and tissue engineering. In addition, they are investigating innovative concepts related to epithelial cancers (those that begin in the cells that line an organ).