As a clinician-scientist, I take questions from the clinic into the lab and bring new materials back to the clinic. My work focuses on regenerating the gums, bone and periodontal tissues lost to disease, and on making those treatments predictable for each patient.

 

1. Soft tissue surgery and root coverage

Randomized clinical trials comparing gingival grafting and flap techniques, palatal donor-site healing, and models that predict root coverage outcomes. My RT1 defect prediction study received two IADR travel awards in 2026. Key papers: tunnel vs. free gingival graft for phenotype modification (Clin Oral Investig, 2022); vertically coronally advanced flap vs. free gingival graft (Clin Oral Investig, 2023); the evolution of root coverage (J Periodontol, 2026).

 

2. Bone and periodontal regeneration

Preclinical models of alveolar bone healing around implants and in periodontitis, including bone-anabolic drugs, host-modulating therapy and laser therapy. Key papers: abaloparatide in extraction-socket implant defects (Clin Oral Implants Res, 2025); systemic RVX-208 in experimental periodontitis (J Periodontal Res, 2026); low-level laser therapy in bone regeneration (Lasers Med Sci, 2022).

 

3. Regenerative biomaterials (MIT IMES)

At MIT's Institute for Medical Engineering & Science, I develop biomaterials and hydrogel scaffolds for periodontal and soft tissue regeneration. This builds on the three-dimensional soft tissue model from my master's research. Key papers: hydrogels for periodontal and craniofacial regeneration (J Periodontal Res, 2026); master's thesis on a 3D soft tissue regeneration model (Dokuz Eylül, 2025).

 

4. Oral-systemic health and precision dentistry

Links between periodontitis and systemic disease, and AI-based risk stratification in dental care. Key papers: increased cancer risk in patients with periodontitis (Curr Med Res Opin, 2017); AI and risk stratification for dental pain (J Dent Educ, 2025).

 

Full list on the Publications page and Google Scholar.