Comparing segmented versus continuous connective tissue grafts for gum recession using a modified tunnel technique
Official title: Evaluation of the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel Technique Associated With a Selective/Segmented Versus Contiguous Submerged Connective Tissue Graft for the Treatment of Multiple Gingival Recessions: Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege · NCT07453147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will try two types of connective tissue gum grafts—segmented and continuous—using a modified tunnel technique to treat adults with gum recession affecting several teeth.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Liège, Liège and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07453147 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) who are ASA I–II, non‑smokers with good periodontal health, plaque and bleeding indices under 20%, able to undergo oral surgery, and who have at least two contiguous RT1 gingival recessions of 1–5 mm in the same dental sector are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who smoke, have recession depths greater than 5 mm, recessions associated with caries or restorations at the CEJ, or who cannot undergo oral surgery are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial will enroll 32 adults with multiple RT1 gingival recessions who are non‑smokers and in good periodontal health. All participants will undergo a modified coronally advanced tunnel procedure and receive either a contiguous (continuous) connective tissue graft or a segmented (selective) graft, with patients assigned to one of the two groups. Data collected will include medical history, dental and aesthetic information, clinical measurements, plaque and bleeding indices, and digital intraoral scans, with clinical and X‑ray exams before surgery. Outcomes will focus on root coverage, gum health, appearance, and function over follow‑up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred graft approach could provide better root coverage, improved gum appearance, and reduced tooth sensitivity for people with multiple recessions.
How similar studies have gone: Tunnel techniques combined with connective tissue grafts have generally shown good root coverage in prior studies, but direct comparisons between contiguous and segmented grafting are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASA I or ASA II * Good periodontal health * Able to undergo oral surgery * Must be 18 years old and older * No smoking * At least two teeth in the same sector in the maxilla and the right and left mandible (except in the mandibular incisive sector), of which at least 2 are contiguous, with vestibular gingival recessions of type RT 1 of 1-5mm (Cairo et al. 2011) * An identifiable or restorable cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), with or without the presence of a non-carious cervical lesion (Pini-Prato et al. 2010) * Plaque index (O'Leary 1972) and bleeding index (Ainamo et al. 1975) scores of less than 20% * Able to give informed consent and have signed the consent forms Exclusion Criteria: * Teeth showing recession associated with a carious lesion, restoration or cervical prosthesis involving CEJ * Teeth with recession depth \>5mm * Molars with recessions will be treated but will not be taken into account for the measurements * Teeth with recession that have already undergone periodontal surgery * Presence of severe tooth malposition, rotation or significant version of the tooth * Smoker and ex-smoker * Patient suffering from a disease affecting the periodontium * Patient with clinical signs of active periodontitis * Known pregnancy in progress or breastfeeding * Contraindication to surgery * Conditions or circumstances which would prevent completion of study participation or interfere with analysis of study results, such as history of no-compliance or unreliability * Patients deprived of their liberty or under legal protection
Where it's running
-
CHU de Liège
Liège, Liège, Belgium Recruiting -
26K Center for clinical research
Paris, France Not yet recruiting
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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.