Collagen matrix versus gum graft to increase keratinized tissue around dental implants

Efficacy of Collagen Matrix for Peri-implant Soft Tissue Phenotype Modification: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences · NCT07056959

This trial will test whether a xenogeneic collagen matrix works as well as a free gingival graft to increase keratinized gum tissue around dental implants in adults with less than 2 mm of keratinized mucosa.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Dubai)
Trial IDNCT07056959 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 30 adults at Dubai Dental Hospital and randomly assign them to receive either a xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) or a free gingival graft (FGG) at the time of healing abutment connection to augment peri-implant keratinized mucosa. Clinical outcomes (keratinized mucosa width, mucosal recession, and attachment levels) and patient-reported outcome measures will be collected at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The protocol standardizes surgical technique, excludes smokers and patients with uncontrolled systemic or periodontal disease, and requires good baseline oral hygiene. The aim is to compare surgical results, healing, and patient comfort between the two approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥21 years) with dental implants showing insufficient buccal keratinized mucosa (<2 mm) at the time of healing abutment placement, good oral hygiene, and willingness to attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Smokers, patients with uncontrolled periodontal or systemic disease, those with collagen allergy or prior mucogingival surgery, and people who already have adequate keratinized tissue are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a less invasive option that achieves similar gum width with less pain and shorter surgical time compared with harvesting an autogenous graft.

How similar studies have performed: Free gingival grafts are the established gold standard and several smaller trials have reported that collagen matrices can give comparable short-term increases in keratinized mucosa, but long-term comparative evidence is still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 21 or over.
* Insufficient KM width (\< 2 mm) at the buccal aspect of implants at time of healing abutment placement, either for single anterior or posterior implants.
* Controlled oral hygiene (full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores ≤ 25% at baseline).
* Good compliance and commitment to attend follow-up review appointments.
* Willing to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smoking
* Untreated localized or generalized periodontal diseases
* Uncontrolled systemic diseases
* Long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
* History of malignancy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy
* Collagen allergy
* History of mucogingival surgery

Where this trial is running

Dubai

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Keratinized MucosaKeratinized Tissuekeratinized mucosaimplantssoft tissue augmentation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.