Research

Disease Management DentistryComprehensive Dentistry

The Department of Comprehensive Dentistry was established on April 1, 2002 in the former Dental Hospital of Tohoku University, as a supportive department of clinical practice for under graduate and clinical training program for post graduate students. From 2006, under the new academic system, the dental training program became a required subject, and this department has played an important role for in aspects of the clinical training program such as management, operation, and guidance.

After the Dental Hospital was completely integrated with the Medical Hospital, this department became part of the Tohoku University Hospital. This department has been involved with educational and research activities of the Graduate School of Dentistry from its establishment, and in addition to graduate student admittance and guidance, the department has also actively worked on presenting research at international conferences and submitting academic papers to the international journals.

Department staff consists of specialists in both prosthetic dentistry and conservative dentistry, creating a secure academic foundation tailored to the needs of students wishing to engage in research work with improving clinical skill after the clinical training program. An individual laboratory and a dormitory room are provided for graduate students in creating an ideal working and researching environment.

Staff

Topics of Research

  • Research on periodontal tissue regeneration by applying periodontal ligament cells.
  • Research on the relationship between deficit of teeth, periodontal disease and systemic illness.
  • Research on circadian rhythm of toothache.
  • Research on oral hygiene and oral microorganisms common in senior citizens.
  • Development of effective treatment methods in primary care.

Recent Publications

  1. Fazal Ghani, Masahiko Kikuchi, Christopher D. Lynch and Makoto Watanabe: Effect of Some Curing Methods on Acrylic Maxillary Denture Base Fit. HYPERLINK "javascript:AL_get(this,%20'jour',%20'Eur%20J%20Prosthodont%20Restor%20Dent.');" \o "The European journal of prosthodontics and restorative dentistry." Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2010; 18(3): 132-138.
  2. Shimonishi M, Takahashi I, Terao F, Komatsu M, Kikuchi M: Induction of MMP-2 at the interface between epithelial cells and fibroblasts from human periodontal ligament. J Periodontal Res 2010: 45(3): 309-16.
  3. Shimonishi M, Hatakeyama J, Sasano Y, Takahashi N, Komatsu M, Kikuchi M:.Mutual induction of noncollagenous bone proteins at the interface between epithelial cells and fibroblasts from human periodontal ligament. J Periodontal Res 2008; 43(1): 64-75.
  4. Shimonishi M, Hatakeyama J, Sasano Y, Takahashi N, Uchida T, Kikuchi M, Komatsu M: In vitro differentiation of epithelial cells cultured from human periodontal ligament. J Periodontal Res 2007; 42(5): 456-65.
  5. Masahiko Kikuchi: The Japanese System of Dental Clinical Training. Prosthodont Res Pract 2007; 6: 78-80.

Laboratory Contacts

Research