Research & Development
Advancing Dentistry at Highgate
At Highgate, specialist care and clinical research work hand in hand. We run structured research programmes to evaluate new materials and develop techniques, so patients benefit from dentistry that is delivered in modern, careful, and evidence-led way. Our aim is to provide the best treatments and treatment outcomes for our patients.
Why our research programmes matter to patients
- Confidence in your options: We do not adopt new techniques on hype. We evaluate, evolve, and introduce changes carefully.
- Predictable planning: Research helps us standardise what works, so treatment planning is clearer and more consistent.
- Modern care, responsibly delivered: You benefit from a practice that invests in continual improvement while keeping safety at the centre.
- Specialist judgement: Research supports the clinical detail that makes the difference in complex cases.
Research Programmes in Focus
Vital Pulp Therapy Research Programme
This research programme explores minimally invasive approaches that aim to preserve the living part of a tooth where clinically appropriate. Our clinicians evaluate modern bioactive materials and develop clinical protocols to support predictable, high-quality care in deep decay cases as well selected cases where there has been nerve exposure.
- The aim of this work is to see if can save the living part of the tooth with an emphasis on precision and long-term tooth health and fundamentally an alternative to root canal therapy.
- By regenerating the nerve of the tooth, we avoid the need for root canal treatment and the need for crown coverage which means the teeth are preserved in their natural state.
- For the patient this means less treatment, fewer long-term complications and a significant financial benefit.
Composite Research Programme
Natural teeth have depth and a variation of shades, and excellent cosmetic dentistry should respect that. This programme explores advanced tooth-coloured filling materials designed to blend beautifully across a wide range of shades. We examine how material properties, placement technique, and finishing protocols influence appearance and clinical performance in everyday practice.
- The main composite material that we use in this study is called OmniChroma and was developed in Japan. As the name suggests the main quality of this composite material is its ability to change or blend in with the underlying or surrounding natural tooth structure.
- This means a more satisfactory outcome for the patient in terms of aesthetics and also a simplified clinical protocol as Omnichroma comes in a single tube. The comparative materials come in a variety of shades which then need to be used by the dentist to achieve the aesthetic excellence that we strive for.
- We also compare the long-term outcome in terms of wear and tear and the aesthetic properties over a longer period.
Migraine & Jaw Pain Overlap Research Programme
Some patients experience a complex blend of jaw muscle tension, facial pain, neck discomfort, and headache or migraine symptoms. We have developed a treatment protocol which includes the use of night guards and SCi splints and also targeted muscle relaxation injections using Botox.
- Our research phases here focus on improving such complex symptoms, with developed treatments including injection protocols where appropriate, so care can be tailored thoughtfully and delivered with a strong emphasis on safety.
- Through our investigation of these issues, we could demonstrate that the main cause of these symptoms is muscle tension. The main muscles of concern are the muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis, occipitalis, frontalis and trapezius muscles).
- With targeted treatment we have been able to successfully treat patients with debilitating symptoms and in some cases remove the need for medication to deal with the symptoms.
Immediate Implant Optimisation Research Programme
Advanced implant care requires more than surgical skill. This programme examines how implant design and clinical variables influence stability and integration, including demanding scenarios such as immediate placement following extraction in selected cases. The aim is to fill knowledge gaps in decision-making and protocols so implant treatment remains as safe, predictable, and well-planned as possible.
- Our study focuses on the outcome of immediate vs delayed implant placement. We also look at implant design and look at the implant success over an extended period. Based on this we are then able to plan which is the best implant to use in a particular scenario.
- Our latest study is also focusing on the implant collar and the long term bone and gum health in this biological zone.
- The implant biological zone is a 3-4 mm area of soft tissue (epithelium and connective tissue) that surrounds the dental implant, essential for protecting the underlying bone from bacteria. This zone is critical for long-term stability and, in aesthetic areas, requires 3 mm of bone height and width to prevent bone loss.
Research & Development FAQs
Not necessarily. But we are constantly monitoring and evaluating our work and always looking at ways to improve the quality of our treatments. Many programmes focus on improving protocols and evaluating materials within best-practice care. If anything involves additional steps beyond normal treatment, we will explain it clearly and you will always have a choice.
Our approach is cautious and structured. Research at Highgate is about evaluating innovation responsibly and developing techniques using clinical standards.
Your care plan is always based on what is clinically appropriate for you. Research supports how we improve and validate approaches, but suitability, safety, and informed consent always come first.
No. Anything beyond routine care is optional and will be discussed in plain English, with time to ask questions.
Because real-world dentistry is where techniques and materials must perform reliably. Practice-based research helps ensure innovation is clinically useful, not just theoretically interesting.
Would you like to talk through your options?
Book a consultation and we will guide you through the safest, most appropriate treatment plan for you.
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Explore our specialist services on our website and learn how research supports the care we provide.
