Comparing two gum‑repositioning surgeries with connective tissue grafts for multiple recessions in the lower front teeth
An RCT Between Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) and Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap (TCAF) in Combination With Soft Tissue Graft for Multiple Recession Coverage.
This trial will test whether the coronally advanced flap (CAF) or the tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF), both with connective tissue grafts, gives better root coverage for people with multiple gum recessions on their lower front teeth.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Trial ID | NCT06940050 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial at Ghent University compares two surgical approaches—CAF and TCAF—each combined with a connective tissue graft to treat multiple adjacent gingival recessions in the premandible. Adult patients with at least two recessions, good oral hygiene, and good general health are randomized to one of the two techniques and followed over short- and long-term visits to measure root coverage. Key exclusions include current smoking and pregnancy. The main outcome is average root coverage achieved with each technique, with secondary interest in symptom relief, aesthetics, and periodontal stability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) in good general health and with good oral hygiene who have at least two adjacent recessions in the lower front (premandibular) region and who are non-smokers and not pregnant.
Not a fit: Patients who smoke, are pregnant, have poor oral hygiene, significant systemic health issues, or only isolated single recessions may not benefit or may be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better technique could provide more predictable root coverage, reducing tooth sensitivity, improving appearance, and making oral hygiene easier.
How similar studies have performed: Both CAF and tunnel techniques combined with connective tissue grafts are well established and have shown good root coverage in prior studies, while the combined TCAF approach is a more recent variation with less long‑term data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * at least 18 years old * good oral hygiene * presence of at least 2 recessions in the premandible * good general health Exclusion Criteria: * smoker * pregnant women (assessed at each visit; if the patient appears pregnant during follow-up, x-rays will not be taken)
Where this trial is running
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen
- Department of Periodontology and Implantology of Ghent University — Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Véronique Prof. Dr. Christiaens
- Email: vchristi.christiaens@ugent.be
- Phone: +32 332 40 17
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.