Monitoring changes to saliva after tooth extraction

About this research

Need a tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant? We are looking to study spit (saliva) changes after tooth removal with or without bone preservation. You will receive a high level of care and reduced treatment costs.

Who can participate

You're eligible to participate in this study if you:

  • are aged 18–65 years
  • need to have one tooth in the front of your mouth removed (with a single root, not a molar tooth) and replaced with a dental implant
  • have generally healthy gums
  • are able to attend multiple Brisbane-based appointments over the next 18 months
  • are generally healthy, with no major uncontrolled medical conditions that affect bone and gum healing
  • light smoking or vaping (fewer than five cigarettes per day) and willing to quit or vape
You may be ineligible to participate if you:
 
  • have significant bone loss around nearby teeth
  • have a weakened immune system
  • have uncontrolled diabetes
  • are pregnant (or have plans to become pregnant within the next six months) or breastfeeding
  • are taking medications that affect bone healing
  • have had radiation therapy to the head or neck
  • are a current smoker

What's involved

As a participant, you will:

  • attend an initial appointment at the UQ School of Dentistry
  • have one tooth removed as part of your planned treatment
  • receive either standard natural healing or Assisted Ridge Preservation (a method used to support bone healing after tooth removal)
  • provide small saliva samples at a few time points (quick and non-invasive)
  • attend follow-up visits so we can monitor your healing
  • receive a dental implant as part of your treatment plan
  • attend follow-up appointments for up to 12 months after your dental implant placement

Benefits of participating

As a participant, you will receive:

  • extra care with more frequent check-ups, imaging and follow-up than usual care.
  • reduced treatment costs. Graft materials (valued at around $500) are provided at no cost, and the dental implant is offered at a discounted rate (approximately $500 off).

There are no negative effects on treatment outcomes, irrespective of treatment group. 

Participants can withdraw at any time without affecting routine care.

How to participate

If you meet the eligibility criteria and you're interested in participating, please complete the expression of interest form.

Ethics, data collection and privacy

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2025/HE001107].

Contact

If you have any questions email Lauren Williams Dent.ARP@uq.edu.au