Comparing two surgical techniques for treating gum recession

Tunnel Technique Versus Coronally Advanced Flap Combined With a Connective Tissue Graft for the Treatment of Mandibular Gingival Recessions: A Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · Universitat Internacional de Catalunya · NCT06135662

This study tests which of two surgical methods works better for treating gum recession in healthy people with specific types of gum issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitat Internacional de Catalunya (other)
Locations1 site (Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT06135662 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two surgical techniques, the Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) and the Tunnel Technique (TT) with Connective Tissue Grafts (CTG), in treating mandibular gingival recession. Healthy participants with RT1 and RT2 gingival recessions will be randomly assigned to one of the two procedures. The study aims to determine which technique provides better root coverage and assesses additional factors such as keratinized tissue gain and patient-reported outcomes. Participants will attend six assessment visits over a period of six months to monitor their progress and outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 and older with RT1 or RT2 gingival recession defects in the mandibular arch.

Not a fit: Patients who smoke heavily, have contraindications for periodontal surgery, or are currently undergoing orthodontic therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a more effective surgical option for treating mandibular gingival recession, leading to improved aesthetic outcomes and reduced discomfort.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar surgical techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years; periodontally and systemically healthy
* presence of RT1 and RT2 gingival recession defects
* recession in the mandibular arch
* recession ≥ 2mm in depth at the buccal aspect
* full-mouth plaque and bleeding score ≤ 20%
* no previous periodontal surgery
* presence of identifiable cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) (a step ≤1mm at the CEJ and/or presence of root abrasion, but with identifiable CEJ, will be accepted).

Exclusion Criteria:

* smokers ≥10 cigarettes a day
* contraindications for periodontal surgery
* medications known to affect the gingiva or interfere with wound healing
* pregnancy
* active orthodontic therapy
* caries or restorations in the area to be treated

Where this trial is running

Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Gingival Recession Localized Moderate, RT1, RT2, CAF, Tunnel Technique, Connective Tissue Graft, Gingival Recessions, CTG

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.