Our long term goal is to enhance clinical outcomes and tissue regeneration in periodontal and implantology.

Our research group specializes in evidence-based multidisciplinary care models and translational investigations spanning implant rehabilitation strategies, aesthetic periodontal outcomes, oral microbiome-metabolome dynamics, and biomaterial-driven tissue regeneration. We integrate clinical expertise with fundamental scientific exploration, focusing on optimizing therapeutic protocols through microbial community analyses, metabolic pathway characterization, and innovative biomaterial development for orofacial reconstruction. My lab focused on key diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and long-term prevention and treatment strategies for oral implants. Our team pioneered a micro crestal flap-alveolar ridge preservation (MCF-ARP) technique for alveolar ridge preservation in molar extraction sites with severe periodontitis. Recognizing implants’ vulnerability to inflammation, we established that 2 mm of keratinized mucosa is critical for long-term stability. For deficient cases, we refined free gingival graft techniques (e.g., "partial-full-partial" flap design) and connective tissue grafts to enhance tissue thickness, improving gingival contour and bone regeneration success. Metagenomic studies identified distinct microbial profiles in peri-implantitis, linking red/orange complex pathogens and novel species to disease severity. We discovered CCR2 as a potential therapeutic target for modulating osteoclast activity and introduced glycine powder air-polishing to reduce inflammation—proving especially effective for peri-implant mucositis. Our work bridges cutting-edge laboratory discoveries with practical applications in periodontal-aesthetic rehabilitation and functional restoration, with particular emphasis on personalized treatment paradigms informed by systems biology approaches.

DIRECTOR

Wenjie Hu, DDS, PhD

Professor, Chief Physician

Principal Investigator

huwenjie@pkuss.bjmu.edu.cn

Professor Wenjie Hu serves as associate dean of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. He holds key leadership roles including Director of the Specialist Alliance for Periodontics at China’s National Centre for Dental Medicine, Vice President of the Standing Committee of Periodontology, and Vice President of the Society of Stomatological Education under the Chinese Stomatological Association. Additionally, he is a member of the Standing Committee of Implant Dentistry, China’s representative to the Asia Pacific Society of Periodontology, and a Fellow of the ITI International Team for Implantology. Professor Hu has extensive experience in the diagnosis and evidence-based management of complex periodontal diseases, multidisciplinary treatment planning, implant therapy for periodontal patients, aesthetic dentistry, and the application of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment. He is renowned for his expertise in soft/hard tissue augmentation to optimize implant outcomes, periodontal aesthetic therapy, and modified crown-lengthening techniques for extensive tooth defects. As a visiting scholar, he conducted academic exchanges at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, focusing on clinical training, research, and education. Guided by principles of evidence-based medicine, his research spans multidisciplinary approaches to oral diseases, implant therapy and aesthetic outcomes for periodontal patients, oral microbiome and metabolomics, as well as tissue regeneration and biomaterials. As principal investigator, he has led four National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) general projects and 14 provincial/ministerial-level grants. With over 220 peer-reviewed publications (55 SCI-indexed), he has authored/co-authored 23 textbooks and holds six utility model patents and two invention patents.

RESEARCH AREAS

Micro Crestal Flap-Alveolar Ridge Preservation

Our first major research pioneered the innovative application of micro crestal flap-alveolar ridge preservation (MCF-ARP) for severely periodontally compromised molars. Our research involved a comprehensive clinical and radiographic comparative analysis of natural healing versus alveolar ridge preservation following extraction of molars affected by advanced periodontitis. The team established an evaluation index system to analyze indications for flapless alveolar ridge preservation in severe periodontitis cases, conducted comparative studies on surgical protocols, and identified key factors influencing clinical outcomes. Based on these findings, we developed standardized surgical procedures, intraoperative/ postoperative documentation guidelines, and an evidence-based assessment framework. 

Soft Tissue Augmentation

The second major research established fundamental requirements for optimal peri-implant soft tissue conditions. We demonstrated that a minimum of 2 mm keratinized gingiva is essential to ensure peri-implant safety and address long-term maintenance challenges. In surgical protocol refinement, we pioneered a novel modification of the free gingival graft harvesting technique: The flap was innovatively designed with a “partial-full-partial” thickness. This approach involves elevating the central portion of the flap, including the underlying periosteum, to enable complete detachment of muscle fibers—a technical advancement that optimizes graft viability and recipient-site integration.

Prevention and Treatment of Peri-implant Disease

Other researches included employing oral microbiome, immunology, and metabolomics analyses to reveal distinct submucosal microbial profiles between healthy peri-implant tissues and peri-implantitis. Compared to healthy implants, peri-implantitis sites exhibited higher microbial richness and diversity, with greater dysbiosis correlating to increased mucosal bleeding. Notably, we identified CCR2 as a potential therapeutic target, as it modulates local inflammation and osteoclast activity via immune responses. Clinically, we developed an optimized protocol combining glycine powder air-polishing and curettage, which significantly improved soft tissue bleeding and suppuration. Our team also actively explores novel biomedical materials for the management of peri-implantitis and soft tissue defects.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Effect of free gingival graft dimension on postsurgical shrinkage in posterior implant placement: A prospective parallel cohort study

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, January 2025

Assessment of soft and hard tissue changes following micro crestal flap-Alveolar ridge preservation and augmentation at molar extraction sites in patients with stage III/IV periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial 

J Clin Periodontol, October 2024

Associations between the keratinized mucosa width and the underlying alveolar bone dimensions at partial edentulous molar sites: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BMC Oral Health, July 2024

Layperson assessment of smile lines and upper lip combined images in smile esthetics

J Prosthet Dent, March 2024

Ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar sockets with and without primary wound closure: a comparative controlled clinical trial

Clin Oral Implants Res, 2024

CCR2 is a potential therapeutic target in peri-implantitis 

J Clin Periodontol, March 2024

CCL2 is a key regulator and therapeutic target for periodontitis 

Journal of Clinical Periodontology

Mucosal bleeding correlates with submucosal microbial dysbiosis in peri-implant mucositis of patients with periodontitis

Clin Oral Implants Res, September 2023

Shift in the submucosal microbiome of diseased peri-implant sites after non-surgical mechanical debridement treatment

Front Cell Infect Microbiol, January 2023

The keratinized mucosa width at partially edentulous molar sites and its associated factors: a pilot study

BMC Oral Health, December 2022

Three-dimensional position changes of unopposed molars before implant rehabilitation: a short-term retrospective cohort analysis

BMC Oral Health, December 2022

Assessment of soft and hard tissue characteristics of ridge preservation at molar extraction sites with severe periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Oral Health, November 2022

Critical roles for CCR2 and the therapeutic potential of cenicriviroc in periodontitis: A pre-clinical study

J Clin Periodontol, November 2022

Integrated analysis of the salivary microbiome and metabolome in chronic and aggressive periodontitis: A pilot study

Front Microbiol, September 2022

Assessment of a developed pig cadaver model for teaching crown lengthening surgical procedures

PeerJ, June 2022

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Gingival Immune-Mediated Inflammation in Peri-Implantitis and Periodontitis Within the Same Host Environment

J Inflamm Res, May 2022

Evaluation of implant placement following ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar extraction sockets: Three-year results of a prospective cohort study

Clin Oral Implants Res, July 2022

Success rate of fractured teeth receiving modified crown lengthening surgery and restorations

BMC Oral Health, March 2022

The Influence of the Maxillary Posterior Region on Smile Aesthetics in a Chinese Cohort

Int Dent J, October 2022 

Ridge preservation in maxillary molar extraction sites with severe periodontitis: a prospective observational clinical trial

Clin Oral Investig, March 2022

TEAM

CONTACT

Wenjie Hu

huwenjie@pkuss.bjmu.edu.cn

Department of Periodontology,

Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology,

No.22 Zhongguancun South Avenue,

Haidian District, Beijing 100081, PR China