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Prof. Yael Houri-Haddad

Israel

Bio

Prof. Yael Houri-Haddad is a Full Professor, Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, and Head of the Department of Prosthodontics at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, where she earned both her DMD and PhD degrees. She completed advanced research fellowships at Boston University and the Forsyth Institute under Dr. Thomas Van Dyke and holds executive training in Leadership Strategies from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Prof. Houri-Haddad’s extensive research spans the pathogenesis, genetics, and oral microbiome links of periodontal disease, peri-implantitis models, cardiovascular disease and volatile-compound diagnostic tools, with recent ISF-funded work exploring the impact of titanium implants on brain health. A past President and Councillor of the IADR Israeli Division, she has secured over $2M in grant funding, published approximately 90 peer-reviewed articles, and mentored 54 graduate students. Her contributions to science and education have been recognized with the Senta Foulkes Research Prize and the Hebrew University Rector Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Abstract

Losing Teeth or Losing Your Mind? The Emerging Link Between Dental Implants, Inflammation, and Cognitive Decline.

Oral inflammatory diseases, particularly periodontitis and peri-implantitis, are persistent sources of chronic systemic inflammation that may contribute to cognitive vulnerability. In peri-implantitis, chronic inflammation accelerates the local corrosion and surface degradation of titanium (Ti) implants, potentially elevating patient exposure to Ti-derived micro- and nanoparticles within the oral cavity. We hypothesize that these degraded particles can enter systemic circulation, cross the blood-brain barrier, and negatively impact neurological health. This study investigates the correlation between dental implants, peri-implant inflammation, and cognitive decline.

Methods & Results

This research utilizes a translational approach combining human clinical data and an animal model:

  • Clinical Findings: In our ongoing clinical research evaluating patients over the age of 65, individuals presenting with periodontitis or peri-implantitis exhibited significantly poorer cognitive performance. Notably, this cognitive decline positively correlated with a higher number of placed implants and a longer duration of implant exposure.
  • Animal Model Findings: To explore the underlying mechanism, a murine model was utilized where mice underwent tooth extraction followed by titanium implant placement. The Ti-implanted mice demonstrated impaired cognitive function across a comprehensive battery of behavioral tests. Furthermore, histological and toxicological analyses revealed the presence of titanium fragments, alongside marked neuroinflammation, specifically within the hippocampus and broader brain tissues.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a potential, novel link between dental implants, chronic peri-implant inflammation, and compromised brain health. As implant dentistry remains a standard of care, this ongoing research highlights the critical need for clinicians to monitor long-term peri-implant health. Ultimately, understanding these pathways aims to enhance patient care and drive the development of safer, next-generation implant materials and strategies.

 

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