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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

CAF versus TCAF with connective tissue grafts for multiple maxillary gum recessions

Official title: An RCT Comparing Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) and Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap (TCAF) in Combination With a Soft Tissue Graft for Multiple Recessions Coverage in the Maxilla.

Run by University Hospital, Ghent · NCT07158528 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This comparison will test whether coronally advanced flap (CAF) or tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF), each combined with a connective tissue graft, provides better root coverage for adults with multiple gum recessions in the upper jaw.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment34 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 18, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2037
Study endsDecember 31, 2037
Registry record updatedSeptember 16, 2025
Trial IDNCT07158528 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults (18+) in good general health with good oral hygiene and multiple gingival recessions in the upper jaw who are non-smokers and not pregnant are the intended participants.

Probably not a fit

People who smoke, are pregnant, have poor oral hygiene, or whose recessions are single, non-maxillary, or otherwise not fitting the inclusion criteria may not benefit or are excluded from the comparison.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, controlled comparison at Ghent University enrolls adults with multiple gingival recessions in the maxilla and randomly assigns them to receive either a coronally advanced flap (CAF) or a tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF), both with connective tissue grafts. The CAF technique involves detaching and repositioning the gum flap, while the TCAF uses an undermined tunnel approach with partial detachment; the combined TCAF approach is a relatively recent adaptation. The main outcome is average root coverage measured at short- and long-term follow-up visits, with attention to clinical signs that affect sensitivity and appearance. Smokers and pregnant women are excluded and all procedures and follow-up visits take place in person at the university clinic.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one technique produces superior root coverage, patients could experience less tooth sensitivity, improved gum appearance, and easier oral hygiene.

How similar studies have gone: Both CAF and tunnel techniques have documented success for root coverage in prior work, while the combined TCAF approach is newer and has growing but less extensive evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years of age
* Good oral hygiene
* Presence of multiple gingival recessions in the maxilla
* Good general health

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smoker
* Pregnant women (assessed at each visit; if the patient becomes pregnant during follow-up, radiographs will not be taken)

Where it's running

  • Department of Periodontology and Implantology of Ghent University
    Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ Find more trials like this →
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.