Enrico Gherlone Research

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Prof. Gherlone's research activity began in 1983 with the 'metal-free ceramics' project as part of the Cerestore System programmer coordinated at national level by Prof. Mario Martignoni.

Later, as can be seen from his scientific publications, he devoted himself to the study of new composite materials and the use of laser light in Odontostomatology. His research activity has always mainly focused on fixed prosthetics, initially on dental elements, with particular emphasis on the study of both ceramic and resin veneers, and later metal-free. Aesthetic prosthetics has always been an object of attention in her research; with the advent of modern implantology, her production has turned 360° to the study of this new discipline, especially in its prosthetic side.

This led to collaboration with several companies at the top of the industry, which identified him as an opinion leader.

Together with his group, in addition to having always dealt with occlusal-functional aspects of prosthetics on both natural and implant elements, he has been an actor in the implementation and optimization of various implant systems, playing a key role in their dissemination.

Over the last decade, Prof. Gherlone has been among the pioneers of translational research (clinical research applications) in dentistry, directing the first research groups on the molecular biology of human cells in contact with biomaterial bone substitutes, and comparing the results of these studies with current techniques for increasing bone volume in the jaws, to develop minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Lines of research have been carried out on the biocompatibility of materials (biological dentistry) and their possible toxicity in contact with human tissues.

In recent years, activity has been focusing on new digital technologies with repercussions on both traditional and implant prosthetic dentistry.

As already mentioned, in Prof. Gherlone's evolution as a researcher, he has deeply touched upon scientific aspects of translational research, carrying out numerous studies and follow-ups still in progress on immediate loading in implant prosthesis and its implementation, after having met and collaborated with Prof. Paulo Malò on all-on-four and all-on-six techniques.

It is worth mentioning his scientific activity on advanced osseointegration prosthetics with total rehabilitation using autologous bone grafted and taken from calvaria or iliac crest.

The experience gained from these research protocols led Prof. Gherlone to the direction and coordination of several research projects co-financed by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of University and Scientific Research.

The result of all this research has manifested itself not only in numerous publications but also in several volumes of an essentially prosthetic nature, ranging from textbooks on impressions to those on dental implantology and modern micro-invasive techniques.

It is important to highlight how collaboration and consultancy with numerous leading international dental companies led to the achievement and realization of two patents concerning two different implant systems.

Over a period of several years, in collaboration with Dr. Ivano Casartelli, he devoted himself to the study of impression materials and the most suitable techniques and their use to achieve excellent results.

Main lines of research

• Clinical Trials of Advanced Oral Surgery, Implant Prosthetics and Aesthetic Prosthetics.

• Study of post-extractive site healing and immediate implantology.

• Periodontal and implant regenerative therapy.

• Laboratory protocols on state-of-the-art materials investigating precision and marginal adaptation characteristics of prosthetic crowns.

• Histological analyses of osteoinductive regenerative therapies and new types of dental implants.

• Study of new dental implant surfaces.

• Development of new operations concerning pre-implant major oral surgery.

• Specific studies and tests on impression materials.

• New operations on implant-prosthetic rehabilitations supported by inclined implants inserted with minimally invasive techniques.

• New operations on zygomatic implants supporting immediately loaded prostheses.

• Use of digital technologies in impression taking and prosthesis fabrication with CAD-CAM techniques.