Dr Kasia Gurzawska-Comis is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Oral Surgery at the University of Liverpool, where her clinical and research interests focus on bone regeneration, regenerative biomaterials and the management of medically compromised patients.
These areas will form the basis of her lecture, “Impact of Bone Metabolism on Healing in Elderly Patients,” at the upcoming ADI Masterclass in November 2026. As life expectancy continues to increase, dentists are treating growing numbers of older patients with complex medical histories that influence bone metabolism and wound healing. According to Dr Gurzawska-Comis, understanding these biological changes is becoming essential for predictable oral surgery and implant treatment:
“My main research interest is bone regeneration and the interaction between the immune system and bone healing. As patients age, changes in the immune response – often referred to as inflammaging – affect bone remodeling and healing. These biological changes, together with systemic diseases and medications, can significantly influence outcomes following extractions, implant placement and regenerative procedures.”
Dr Gurzawska-Comis currently coordinates the GreenNanoBone EU project, which investigates novel therapeutic approaches for patients affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a serious complication associated with antiresorptive medications commonly prescribed for osteoporosis, breast and prostate cancer.
“The project was inspired by the clinical challenges I encountered while treating patients in both the UK and Denmark. Many patients receiving antiresorptive therapies develop complications that are difficult to manage. Our research aims to develop immune-instructive biomaterials that can regulate inflammation, promote regeneration and ultimately improve healing for these patients.”
During her Masterclass lecture, Dr Gurzawska-Comis will explore the relationship between aging, bone metabolism and immune function, highlighting how these factors influence treatment planning in implant dentistry and dentoalveolar surgery. She shares:
“Understanding how medications and systemic health alter bone metabolism allows us to better assess risk, prevent complications and optimise treatment outcomes. The lecture will also introduce the next generation of regenerative biomaterials designed to actively modulate the immune response rather than simply replace lost tissue.
Regenerative dentistry is moving towards biologically active materials that work with the patient’s immune system. These immune-instructive biomaterials have the potential to promote a pro-regenerative environment and enhance alveolar bone regeneration. Although many are still progressing through translational research, they represent an exciting direction for the future of implant and regenerative dentistry.”
With the proportion of adults over the age of 75 continuing to rise, clinicians will increasingly encounter patients whose systemic health and medication use directly affect treatment outcomes. Dr Gurzawska-Comis believes that a greater understanding of bone biology will help practitioners deliver safer, more predictable care:
“The aging population means that clinicians need greater confidence in managing medically compromised patients. My aim is to provide delegates with a better understanding of the biological mechanisms behind impaired healing, the impact of antiresorptive medications, and the regenerative strategies that may shape future clinical practice.”
Reflecting on her own involvement with the ADI, Dr Gurzawska-Comis highlights the value of being part of a community committed to advancing implant dentistry through education and research:
“I joined the ADI after attending a Masterclass in 2021 and have since become increasingly involved through lecturing, chairing sessions and serving as Academic Representative on the ADI Board. The educational opportunities and professional network have been invaluable, and I look forward to sharing both the latest scientific developments and their clinical relevance with delegates this year.”
The ADI Masterclass will bring together internationally recognised speakers to present the latest scientific and clinical advances in regenerative dentistry. Delegates will gain evidence-based insights into contemporary treatment strategies, emerging regenerative technologies and the management of increasingly complex patient populations.
This year also sees a collaboration with the Osteology Foundation, who share the same goal as the ADI to promote education in the fields of managing the aesthetic zone.
Save the date, book your place and join colleagues for a day of cutting-edge education designed to support the future of implant and regenerative practice.
ADI Masterclass: Management of the Esthetic Zone
Saturday 14 November 2026
IET London: Savoy Place
For more information about the ADI, visit www.adi.org.uk
