Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing timing of gum grafts and bone regeneration for dental implants

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

Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT06294587 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 12, 2024
Main results expectedAugust 30, 2027
Study endsAugust 30, 2028
Registry record updatedAugust 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT06294587 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

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

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

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Unversity of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Dentistry
    Birmingham, Alabama, United States
    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.
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.