Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Prof. Tomonao Aikawa

【Research Keyword】
Bone invasion and bone resorption of oral cancer,Intractable stomatitis and mucositis,Orthognathic surgery and temporomandibular joint surgery,Studies of pathological condition and molecular expression of condyle resorption

【Recent highlights】
Progressive condyle resorption of the temporomandibular joint may develop in young patient. Anterior disk displacement and thickened articular synovium that compresses the bone resorption surface are thought to contribute to condyle resorption. Although extremely intractable, we are working on a treatment to stop the resorption and increase the size of the condyle by resecting the thickened synovial membrane and disc repositioning. 

Profiles of Faculty and Research Scholars

【Education】
Undergraduate lectures provide students with a variety of basic knowledge about diseases in the field of oral surgery, the diagnostic process, and treatment. In the basic training, students practice blood tests, physiological tests, blood collection techniques, infection control measures, and basic life support (BLS). In the model training, students practice basic oral surgery.

【Research】
We are conducting basic research to elucidate the mechanisms of bone resorption by oral cancer and the pathological and molecular analyses of condyle resorption. Other basic research projects include the novel anti-angiogenic agent for oral squamous cell carcinoma and a study of the responsible gene for cemento-osseous lesion of the jaw. In clinical research, we are conducting studies on factors affect the stability of orthognathic surgery (OGS), and the effects of OGS on sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint pathology, as well as pathological and molecular analyses of condyle resorption, and clinical studies of OGS for cleft palate. Our goal is to conduct the research to provide better treatment for patients.

【Photo explanation】Staff of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

【Photo explanation】Increase the size of condyle by disc repositioning.


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