Timo O. Närhi

Professor Timo O. Närhi

Dr. Närhi graduated from the University of Turku, Finland, in 1986. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki in 1994, where he also completed specialist training in prosthetic dentistry and stomatognathic physiology.

In 1995–1996, Dr. Närhi served as a visiting professor at the University of Iowa, USA. From 1996 to 1998, he worked as a senior teacher in the Sector of Oral Function at the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Since 1998, Dr. Närhi has held senior teaching positions at the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomaterials Science at the University of Turku, Finland. In 2006, he was appointed Professor of Prosthetic Dentistry, and since 2016, he has served as Professor of Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology.

Dr. Närhi is a former president of the IADR Implant Research Group (2004–2005) and the European College of Gerodontology (2003–2004). He also served as President of the European Prosthodontic Association (2012–2013) and the Finnish Dental Society Apollonia (2016–2018).

Professor Närhi has published over 190 articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals. He has supervised 16 Ph.D. theses and currently supervises six Ph.D. students. In 2022, he received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for Research in Prosthodontics and Implants.

Next-Generation Implant Surfaces: A Bioinspired Path from Osseointegration to Mucointegration

Optimizing osseointegration at the bone–implant interface has driven the development of various surface modification techniques. Moderately rough surfaces at the bone level demonstrate favorable osteogenic properties; however, true biological integration at the nanoscale remains elusive. At the soft tissue interface, establishing a stable epithelial and connective tissue seal is critical to prevent bacterial infiltration, inhibit epithelial downgrowth, and achieve long-term tissue integration.

Effective adhesion of patient tissue at the implant exit site forms a robust bacterial barrier, supporting proper wound healing. Tissue–material interactions are primarily governed by surface properties and chemical composition, which often differ from bulk characteristics due to surface reactivity and selective element presentation. Implant surface chemistry significantly influences protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and cellular interactions at the implant–tissue interface. Numerous surface modification strategies have been explored to enhance peri-implant tissue integration at the cellular level.

Nanostructural modifications, such as incorporating nanosized hydroxyapatite or titanium dioxide particles, can further improve surface bioactivity. Cells attach to biomacromolecules adsorbed onto synthetic surfaces via integrin receptors, and bioactive coatings can selectively adsorb proteins that mediate fibroblast and epithelial cell attachment.

This presentation will introduce innovative surface modification approaches designed to advance oral implant integration toward true biological attachment and improved peri-implant tissue integration.