We are delighted to share an exciting milestone in dental research. After 21 years of scientific contributions to implant dentistry, Prof Dr Christian Mehl has had his latest peer-reviewed study accepted for publication in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry—a highly regarded journal in the dental field. The journal has a five-year impact factor of 3.1, which means that, on average, each research paper published in this journal has been cited in other scientific studies more than three times over the past five years. This measure reflects the journal’s influence and credibility in the field of dental research.
Pioneering research in immediate implants
The newly published study, titled Influence of buccal bone lamella defects on hard and soft tissues with submerged and non-submerged healing in immediate implants – an experimental study in minipigs, investigates how bone and gum tissue heal after an implant is placed immediately following tooth removal. Traditionally, many dentists still follow a slower, multi-step approach to placing implants:
- Tooth extraction → The tooth is removed, and the area is left to heal for about three months.
- Bone augmentation (if required) → If there is not enough bone, an additional 3-4 months may be needed for grafting.
- Implant placement → A titanium implant is placed into the bone, requiring another 3-6 months to heal.
- Implant exposure → The gum is opened to expose the implant, followed by a 4-week healing period.
- Final restoration → The artificial tooth (crown) is fitted, meaning the whole process can take over a year for a single missing tooth.
This drawn-out process can be inconvenient for patients, requiring multiple surgeries and long waiting periods. However, Prof Dr Mehl’s and colleagues’ research confirms that immediate implants — where the tooth is removed, the implant is placed, the bone augmented, and a temporary tooth is fitted in a single appointment — are a safe and effective alternative, even in cases of gum inflammation or other tooth-related inflammations. This means fewer surgeries, less waiting time, and a faster return to normal life for patients.
Challenging established assumptions
One of the most significant discoveries from this study questions a long-held belief in dentistry: that gum (soft tissue) healing always follows bone healing. Many dentists have assumed that gums cannot fully heal until the underlying bone is stable. However, this research shows that gum healing and bone healing can happen almost independently, meaning patients may recover faster than previously thought.
Prof Dr Mehl commented on the study, saying:
“The results of this research could significantly change the way we approach implantology. By demonstrating that soft tissue healing does not necessarily depend on a complete bone healing, we are paving the way for more predictable and efficient treatment protocols. This study is the culmination of years of dedication to improving implant techniques for both clinicians and patients.”
Advancing dental science for better patient care
This study marks an important step forward in modern implant dentistry, supporting the use of immediate implants while challenging outdated treatment models. By reducing unnecessary delays and extra procedures, patients can benefit from faster treatment with fewer disruptions to their daily lives.
We extend our gratitude to all researchers and collaborators who contributed to this study. Seeing this research published in such a prestigious journal is a proud moment for Prof Dr Mehl and his team. We look forward to using these insights to provide even better care for our patients.