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Georgios A. Kotsakis, DDS, MS, associate professor in the Department of Periodontics, has been awarded a $200K grant by the International Team for Implantology for his project titled “Comparison of titanium and zirconia implants in regards to peri-implantitis treatment and re-osseointegration. An experimental study in the dog.” The recent approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the clinical use of two-piece zirconia implants has led to a significant rise in their use as they are highly biocompatible and are widely considered to be just as durable as titanium with the added benefit of a more natural look. However, Dr. Kotsakis states that very little information is available on the management of biological complications around the zirconia implants and whether or not they respond favorably to the treatment of peri-implantitis, a disease causing inflammation around a bone-anchored implant which, if left untreated, can lead to bone loss. Dr. Kotsakis and his team will study how zirconia implants respond to peri-implantits treatment and he expects the study’s findings will establish a strong foundation for the maintenance and treatment of zirconia implants. The research team includes Dr. Kotsakis as principal investigator, David L. Cochran, DDS, PhD, professor and chair, Lea Hachem,DDS, CAGS, MSd, associate professor, Sonja A. Bustamante, lead histology technician, and Linda Torres, business administrator, all within the Department of Periodontics. The International Team for Implantology was founded in 1980 as an alliance of interdisciplinary specialists for the research and development of implant dentistry. It is one of the largest global implant organizations with a reputation for scientific rigor coupled with a strong patient focus.