Apical microsurgery – treatment outcome of regenerative approach and host-microbiome interactions
Project details
First Co-supervisors: Dr Sadia Niazi and Dr Emily Lu
Second supervisor: Dr David Moyes
Duration of award: 3 years
Mode of study: Full-time
Eligibility: UK / Overseas
Start dates: 01 October, 01 February, 01 June
Application deadline: Open until a suitable candidate is found
Reference number: 2026-SN/EL
Open to externally sponsored or self-funded applicants
Clinical fees apply. See Fees and Funding for current rates
There will be a fee of £15,000 per annum for bench fees / research costs
Project description
Apical Periodontitis (AP) is a chronic inflammatory condition around the root tip of a tooth, typically caused by persistent infection within the root canal system. We have previously investigated the microbiome of endodontic infections using targeted 16SrRNA gene and house-keeping gene sequence analysis and determined the predominant cultivable microbiota of primary (Niazi et al., 2016) and secondary (failed) endodontic infections (Niazi et al., 2010; Bakhsh et al., 2025). When conventional root canal treatment fails, micro-apical surgery offers a minimally invasive approach to remove the infected tissue and promote healing. Recent advances in regenerative dentistry have introduced Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) — a biomaterial derived from the patient’s own blood that is rich in platelets, growth factors, and stem cells, enhancing tissue regeneration and accelerating healing (Choukroun et al., 2006).
We propose the use of an autologous bioactive scaffold, platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in apical microsurgery will result in faster healing, greater bone infill and improved predictability of clinical outcomes. To our knowledge, no randomised controlled trial has been conducted examining the additional benefits of PRF when used in apical microsurgery in teeth associated with apical periodontitis. This PhD project will compare the clinical outcomes of apical microsurgery performed with and without PRF application, assessing whether regenerative strategies improve success rates and healing quality. Beyond clinical endpoints, the research will explore host–microbiome interactions by analyzing microbial profiles, inflammatory markers, and metabolomic signatures associated with apical periodontitis before and after treatment. These insights will help clarify how regenerative approaches influence both local and systemic health, paving the way for evidence-based protocols that optimize patient outcomes.
Person specification
- Dentist or Endodontist
- Experience in apical surgery
- Research commitment
- Previous research experience
- Research training
Research training
To commence this project, the student will be trained on “Good Clinical Practice for Research for carrying out non-CTIMP studies” and “Human Tissue Act & Consent training” by attending courses provided by KCL and King’s Health Partners. The student will also be obtaining training in PRF, and apical microsurgery which will be needed during patient management. This will enable him to collect/handle samples from study participants from Endodontic Department of Guy’s Hospital. While working in the Host Microbiome laboratory, the student will learn a range of molecular techniques including Elisa, Multiplex Luminex etc. The candidate will also develop the analytical skill using different software including “SPSS”, “R” etc. This research training will enhance the Scientific writing and presentation skills. During the PhD, candidate will also have access to enrol for numerous course available for development of post graduate students.
Next steps
To apply please follow the steps below. We do not require a research proposal from applicants but you should provide your CV and a personal statement.
Please apply online at apply.kcl.ac.uk following these steps:
- Register a new account or log in.
- Select Create a new application.
- Choose Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD and select the correct mode of study.
- Select your chosen start date.
- Include reference number 2026-SN/EL in the relevant sections.
Contact for further information
Dr Sadia Niazi
Endodontics Clinical Lead
Senior Clinical Lecturer / Honorary Consultant in Endodontology
Department of Endodontics
Centre of Oral Clinical & Translational Sciences
Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences
Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT
Tel: +44 (0) 207 188 7459
Email: sadia.niazi@kcl.ac.uk
Dr Emily Lu
Senior Clinical Lecturer / Honorary Consultant in Periodontology
Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions
Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences
King's College London
Email: emily.lu@kcl.ac.uk
Related Centre: Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences
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