Comparing two gum tunnel graft techniques (MCAT vs VISTA) to increase gum thickness
Changes in Soft Tissue Thickness Following Multiple Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT) vs Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA): A Randomized Clinical Trial With 3D Volumetric Analysis
This trial will test whether the MCAT or VISTA tunnel surgery with connective tissue grafts better thickens gums and covers exposed roots in adults with multiple adjacent gingival recessions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad Complutense de Madrid Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madrid) |
| Trial ID | NCT07200258 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, parallel-group trial will assign 44 adult volunteers with multiple adjacent gingival recessions (RT1 or RT2) to receive either the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT) or the Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA), both using connective tissue grafts. Periodontal specialists in training at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid will perform the procedures, while the clinical evaluator and statistician remain blinded. The primary outcome is change in soft tissue thickness measured by three-dimensional digital volumetric analysis at 6 and 12 months, with secondary outcomes including root coverage, esthetic results, gingival health, hypersensitivity, patient satisfaction, and wound healing. Follow-up visits will occur at set intervals up to 12 months after surgery to capture clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are systemically healthy adults (≥18 years) with at least two adjacent RT1 or RT2 gingival recessions (≥2 mm depth on at least one), good oral hygiene, full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores ≤20%, and who smoke no more than 10 cigarettes per day.
Not a fit: Patients with compromised general health, untreated periodontal disease, pregnancy, heavy smoking (>10 cigarettes/day), severe tooth malposition, root caries or inadequate restorations, or prior periodontal plastic surgery at the sites are excluded and unlikely to receive benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify the better surgical approach to produce thicker, more stable gum coverage with improved sensitivity and cosmetic results for people with multiple gingival recessions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work using connective tissue grafts with tunnel techniques has shown success for root coverage and esthetics, but direct randomized comparisons between MCAT and VISTA with 3D volumetric endpoints are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Periodontally and systemically healthy adults (age ≥ 18 years). * At least two adjacent sites exhibiting gingival recessions classified as recession type 1 (RT1) o type 2 (RT2) (Cairo et al., 2011), associated with dental hypersensitivity or aesthetic concerns. * Presence ≥2 mm depth on at least one recession * Smokers ≤ 10 cigarettes. * Full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores ≤20%. * Patients being able to maintain good oral hygiene. Exclusion Criteria: * Compromised general health. * Pregnancy or attempting to get pregnant (self-reported). * Untreated periodontal diseases * Presence of: (i) severe tooth malposition; (ii) root caries or inadequate prosthetic restorations; (iii) previous periodontal plastic surgery at the experimental sites. * Smokers \>10 cigarettes
Where this trial is running
Madrid
- University Complutense of Madrid — Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ana Carrillo de Albornoz Sainz
- Email: acarri02@ucm.es
- Phone: +34 627588248
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.