Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Gerodontology

　This department was established in 1953. The present chair is Professor Kazunori IKEBE. More than 30 faculty members are working on research, education and clinical practice.

　Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation focuses on prosthesis for older adults who have declined oral function, and prosthesis to improve Quarity of Life. We are investigating the relationship between the oral cavity and the whole body in the older adults in cooperation with the Graduate School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Human Sciences. We are studying the relationship between occlusion/mastication and nutrition intake, sarcopenia and frailty, and cognitive function in older twins (Osaka University Twin Research) and super-aged people (SONIC study).

　As for clinical epidemiological studies, we are conducting a multicenter study on implant treatment, a prospective study on maxillofacial prosthetic treatment using the clinical database. In addition, as for sports dentistry, we are evaluating the effectiveness of mouthguards in preventing trauma. In recent years, we have started to apply artificial intelligence to dentistry, and are developing a variety of research projects, including the construction of image recognition systems for dental prosthesis and implants, tooth loss simulation, and removable partial denture design system.

　In collaboration with the Graduate School of Engineering Science, we are analyzing the behavior of implant superstructures and supporting bones by using the dynamic finite element method. In collaboration with the Graduate School of Engineering, we are also investigating the establishment of a method to evaluate masticatory muscle activity during function, a method to rapid detect and screen oral bacterial flora by saliva, and the application of android technology to treatment in the facial region.

　The research outcomes are actively disseminated and have provided evidence for our clinical practice.