King's College London

Apical periodontitis, a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) from root canal infection, adversely impacts systemic health, especially risk of other systemic NCD such as Diabetes and Cardiovascular diseases. Using multi-layered approaches—multi-omics and inflammatory biomarker profiling on longitudinal cohort samples—we aim to uncover host–microbiome interactions that drive apical periodontitis, its systemic health impact, and the benefits of successful endodontic treatment.

 

Project Overview

Apical periodontitis, a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) arising from root canal infection, is a systemic health risk factor. It not only compromises oral health but also elevates the risk of other NCDs such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. My research aims to unravel these complex host–microbiome interactions and their systemic consequences, using cutting-edge multi-omics and inflammatory biomarker profiling on longitudinal cohort samples. Through these funded projects, we explore mechanistic pathways linking apical periodontitis to cardiometabolic health and assess the benefits of successful endodontic treatment in mitigating these risks. This work also addresses widespread misinformation surrounding root canal therapy, fostering public trust and awareness. By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to establish evidence-based guidelines that integrate oral and systemic health perspectives

Aim

This research aims to improve clinical guidelines, reduce systemic complications, and enhance patient education on root canal therapy. By bridging the gap between oral and systemic health, the project contributes to a holistic approach in healthcare and promotes evidence-based practices in endodontics.