R4S study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Host-Microbiome Interactions in Endodontic Disease - Race for the Space (R4S)
IRAS ID
252074
Contact name
William McLean
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
7 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Endodontic disease, affecting the pulp (nerve) of a tooth may lead to its demise and subsequently infection of the root canal space. This a significant cause of dental morbidity worldwide. This condition is treated by mechanical and chemical means. Following disinfection, the root canal space is filled with an inert material to establish a hermetic seal. This process is what is commonly termed root canal treatment. It is estimated that one million root canal treatments are performed under the National Health Service each year alone, costing £50.5 million. Outcomes vary considerably for the established treatments. It is clear that although allowing patients to retain teeth, outcomes are far from ideal, and despite many “advances” in clinical endodontics we have seen little improvement in these. It is the aim of the proposed studies to better understand the aetiology of endodontic disease and host response to enhance treatment modalities leading to improved patient outcomes. The study carried out at the University of Glasgow Dental School will better characterise the micro-organisms using novel methods that are associated with root canal disease, establishing their susceptibility to novel therapeutics, and understand the effect they have on the stem cell populations that partake in regeneration of the dental pulp and associated structures.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0087
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion