Comparing timing of gum grafts and bone regeneration for dental implants

Evaluation of Free Gingival Graft Timing in Staged Guided Bone Regeneration: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT06294587

This study is testing whether doing gum surgery before or after bone treatment helps dental implants heal better and have fewer problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT06294587 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the clinical outcomes of two different treatment sequences for dental implants: performing free gingival graft (FGG) surgery before guided bone regeneration (GBR) versus performing GBR followed by FGG. The primary objective is to determine how the timing of the tissue graft affects the success of the bone regeneration process. Additionally, the study aims to assess any complications that may arise from either treatment sequence prior to implant placement. Participants will be monitored for their healing and overall outcomes following the procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who require dental implants and have insufficient alveolar ridge width for placement.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions, active infections, or those undergoing cancer treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the success rates of dental implants by optimizing the timing of gum grafts and bone regeneration.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach has been explored in various contexts, the specific timing comparison of FGG and GBR in this manner is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • At least 18 years old

  * No uncontrolled medical conditions or medications that will affect their bone healing.
  * Good oral hygiene is defined as a full-mouth plaque score ≤25%11.
  * Must be able to read and understand the informed consent document.
  * Has a need for implants to replace missing tooth/teeth in at least 1 quadrant of the mouth.
  * Insufficient alveolar ridge width for endosseous implant placement, defined as 5 mm or less, as determined by bone sounding and CBCT scan.
  * The patient and/or guardian is willing and able to comply with pre-operative and post-operative diagnostic and clinical evaluations required.
  * The patient is not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active infectious diseases.

  * Liver or kidney dysfunction/failure.
  * Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 8.5).
  * Active cancer treatment - such as active chemotherapy radiation therapy, or radiotherapy performed within ≤12 months from the procedure.
  * Taking medications that will affect their bone healing (for example, bisphosphonates and long-term anti-inflammatory medications).
  * Metabolic bone diseases that affect bone healing such as osteoporosis.
  * Pregnant or lactating women (self-reported).
  * Current tobacco and Marijuana smokers have 10 or more cigarettes per day, and former smokers (\> 10 cigarettes) who quit \< 10 ago (self-reported).
  * Poor oral hygiene.
  * Vertical loss of bone at the edentulous ridge.
  * History of periodontal disease.
  * The patient is pregnant or breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

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 Ridge AugmentationAlveolar MucosaAttached mucosaDental implants
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.