Comparing a new 3D tunneling technique with a modified coronally advanced tunnel plus connective tissue graft for treating multiple RT2 gingival recession.

Comparative Evaluation of Novel 3D Tunneling Technique Versus Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT) With Connective Tissue Graft in the Management of Multiple RT2 Gingival Recession: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT07526259

This trial will try a new 3D tunneling surgical technique versus a modified coronally advanced tunnel with connective tissue graft to improve root coverage in adults who have multiple RT2 gingival recessions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, AlManial)
Trial IDNCT07526259 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional comparison tests a novel 3D tunneling (3DT) surgical approach against the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) combined with connective tissue grafts for managing multiple adjacent Cairo RT2 gingival recessions. Eligible adults with good oral hygiene and healthy systemic status will receive one of the two root-coverage procedures and be followed with standard clinical measurements of recession depth and papilla/interdental root coverage. The protocol excludes smokers, pregnant or lactating patients, those with restored or non-carious cervical lesions, recent periodontal surgery at the site, or systemic compromise. The goal is to document whether 3DT provides better interdental root coverage and longer-term stability than MCAT with grafting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (≥18) with multiple adjacent buccal and lingual Cairo RT2 recession defects, healthy systemic status, good oral hygiene (full mouth plaque index <20%), and a desire for root coverage.

Not a fit: Patients who are smokers, systemically compromised, pregnant or lactating, have restored teeth or non-carious cervical lesions, recent periodontal surgery at the site, or who are non-compliant are unlikely to benefit from enrollment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the 3D tunneling technique could provide improved coverage of interdental exposed root surfaces and more stable papilla reconstruction leading to longer-lasting root coverage.

How similar studies have performed: Several case reports and small clinical studies have shown promising outcomes with the 3D tunneling technique and established MCAT plus connective tissue grafts are effective for mid-facial root coverage, but long-term comparative data are currently lacking.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Buccal and lingual multiple adjacent recession defects classified as Cairo et al RT2.
* Age ≥18 years
* Full mouth plaque index score less than 20% O'Leary et al. 1972
* Patients with healthy systemic condition
* Clinical indication and/or patient request for root coverage

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with systemically compromised health
* Periodontal surgical treatment during the previous 24 months in the involved site
* Pregnant or lactating mothers
* Smokers
* Non-compliant patients
* Restored teeth
* Non-carious cervical lesion

Where this trial is running

Cairo, AlManial

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 Gingival Recession
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.