Prof. Trombelli, have you always lived in Italy? Is your family also from the Ferrara region?

I was born and spent my childhood until graduation in Ferrara. Then I moved to the US where I acted as Faculty at Loma Linda University for a couple of years. In 1998 I returned definitively back to my birthplace, where my parents were also born and live.

What is your childhood memory in terms of favorite food?

I have a great memory of Grandma cuisine, which is based on authentic local recipes! And yes, my favorite, definitely, is our typical pumpkin ravioli (“Cappellacci di zucca”) with meat sauce!

Speaking about childhood, what did the little boy Leonardo Trombelli want to become when grown up?

Since I was a child, my wish was to become a doctor. Then, I was able to get into the Dental School and I think this has been a great opportunity for my professional career.

“Teaching is sharing, and research keeps you intellectually active and curious!“ L. Trombelli

And how did your academic career start?

Since I was an undergraduate student, I was fascinated by research. After graduation, I was offered a position as Research Fellow. I went through all the steps of the academic career up to 2010 when I was appointed Full Professor, and 2014 when I became Dean of the Medical School at the University of Ferrara.

Do you remember your first challenges?

Academic career was not easy from the beginning, due to a lot of competition for only few positions. I have been lucky to benefit from a great mentor, Prof. Giorgio Calura (the Dean of the Dental School at that time) who has always greatly supported me professionally.

What are your most interesting projects that you think of with pride?

Since 2005 I have been working with my research group on simplified surgical procedures aimed at the reconstruction of periodontal and peri-implant tissues. We have thoroughly studied a novel flap design for periodontal regeneration (the “Single Flap Approach”), and in 2007 we were able to submit a patent for an original method of sinus floor elevation (the “Smart Lift technique”), and, more recently, we have introduced a novel approach for peri-implant bone augmentation (the “SPAL technique”). Our findings are explained in detail in the new textbook “Simplified Regenerative Procedures for Intraosseous Defects” published by Quintessence.

You are using Emdogain® in several indications, what is your experience with this product introduced 25 years ago?

I have been using EMD since 1998. Since we introduced the Single Flap Approach in our routine practice (from 2007), the choice of EMD as the most indicated regenerative technology became obvious for the great majority of periodontitis patients with severe lesions. The simplicity in performing the surgical access to the intraosseous lesion, according to SFA principles, perfectly matches the easiness of EMD application to support conditions for periodontal regeneration.

“The simplicity in performing the surgical access to the intraosseous lesion, according to SFA principles, perfectly matches the easiness of Emdogain® application to support conditions for periodontal regeneration.” L. Trombelli

What do you think is the secret of Emdogain®’s success?

I would say it’s the well-established clinical and histologic efficacy in a user-friendly device. But don’t get me wrong: the surgical use of EMD requires appropriate technical skills in flap design and suturing that has to be learned by adequate educational training.

Why is this important for a clinician?

The appropriate use of EMD in intraosseous and furcation lesions may help our patients in restoring the missing periodontal support, thus ensuring long-term retention of their dentition.

Based on your experience, what is the advice you would give to a young specialist that just starts his or her academic career?

Open your mind to different professional opportunities, do not lock yourself only in a private practice! You will enjoy being part of an academic community. Teaching is sharing, and research keeps you intellectually active and curious! 

And what was the best advice that you received yourself when you were in a similar situation?

My parent kept on saying: prove yourself and never give up!

Straumann® Emdogain® is a unique gel containing enamel matrix derivative of porcine origin. The main component is amelogenin, which has demonstrated the ability to stimulate certain cells types involved in the healing process of soft and hard tissues towards a regenerative pattern, thus leading to true periodontal regeneration¹ and accelerated oral wound healing². Emdogain® has a respected legacy as an irreplaceable tool for periodontology backed by extensive and long-term clinical documentation including studies with 10 years follow-up^3,4. Over the past 25 years it has been used in over 2.5 million patients⁵ and it is documented in over 1,000 scientific publications, including over 600 clinical papers⁶. For more information: click here.