Buccal fat pad versus palatal pedicle flap for soft tissue coverage over zygomatic implants in a severely atrophied upper jaw
Official title: Assessment of Soft Tissue Thickness Over Zygomatic Implants in Atrophied Maxilla Covered With Buccal Fat Pad vs. Palatal Pedicle Flap
Run by Future University in Egypt · NCT07574606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether using the buccal fat pad or a palatal pedicle flap gives thicker, more stable soft tissue around zygomatic implants in adults with a severely atrophied upper jaw.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 4 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Future University in Egypt Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, New Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07574606 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with severely atrophic maxillae indicated for zygomatic implant–supported fixed prostheses who can tolerate surgery and attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncontrolled systemic disease, heavy smoking, prior radiotherapy or bisphosphonate therapy, active sinus infection, severe parafunctional habits, pregnancy, or psychiatric conditions affecting compliance are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional trial compares two vascularized soft tissue techniques—the buccal fat pad flap and the palatal pedicle flap—for covering zygomatic implants placed in patients with severely atrophic maxillae. Adult patients eligible for zygomatic implant–supported fixed prostheses will be enrolled at Future University in New Cairo and assigned to one of the two coverage procedures. Primary outcomes include soft tissue thickness over the implant collars, mucosal stability, and complication rates such as dehiscence, implant exposure, or need for additional interventions, measured over postoperative follow-up. The trial aims to identify which flap provides better long-term soft tissue health around trans-mucosal zygomatic implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred flap could reduce implant exposure and peri-implant disease by creating a thicker, well-vascularized soft tissue seal and improve long-term success of zygomatic prostheses.
How similar studies have gone: Both the buccal fat pad and palatal pedicle flap are well-documented for oral soft tissue reconstruction, but direct comparative data specifically for covering zygomatic implants are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients ≥18 years with severely atrophic maxilla. * Acquired maxillary defects resulting from trauma, pathology, or previous surgical resection. * Indicated for zygomatic implant-supported fixed prosthesis. * Sufficient mouth opening for zygomatic implants placement. * Patients willing to sign informed consent and attend follow-ups. Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled systemic disease affecting healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, etc). * Heavy smokers * Previous radiotherapy or bisphosphonate therapy. * Active sinus or nasal infection. * Severe parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism). * Pregnant or lactating women. * Patients with psychiatric disorders affecting compliance.
Where it's running
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Future University in Egypt
Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: omar magdy el awady, bachelor
- Study coordinator: waleed fathy associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at FUE, associate professor of oral an
- Email: waleed.fathy@fue.edu.eg
- Phone: +20 10 06614712
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.