Comparing two techniques for treating gum recession

Comparative Evaluation of the Tunnel Technique and Free Gingival Graft in Gingival Recessions Treatment: Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Universidade Federal de Alfenas · NCT05270161

This study is testing two different methods for treating gum recession to see which one works better for improving the appearance of gums in people with specific types of gum issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidade Federal de Alfenas Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Alfenas, Minas Gerais)
Trial IDNCT05270161 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the tunnel technique and the free gingival graft (FGG) technique for treating isolated and multiple gingival recessions in the anterior region of the mandible. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques while also assessing the impact of a gel containing hyaluronic acid and green tea on healing after FGG removal. Sixty participants with specific types of gingival recession will be included and divided into four treatment groups to determine the best approach for aesthetic outcomes. The study seeks to clarify the effectiveness of the tunnel technique as an alternative to FGG in this context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 60 with isolated or multiple gingival recessions in the anterior mandible.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of periodontal treatment in the last six months or those who use tobacco or other drugs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and aesthetically pleasing treatment option for patients with gum recession.

How similar studies have performed: While the tunnel technique has been explored in other studies, this specific comparison with FGG and the use of a healing gel is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 60 years old;
* Present isolated (≥4mm) or multiple GR in the anterior region of the mandible (tooth 33 to 43) Miller Class I, II or III (87) (or Recession type (RT) 1 or RT2);
* Systemically healthy with no contraindications for periodontal surgery;
* Probing depth of less than 3mm at the sites involved;
* Selected teeth properly positioned, free from endodontic treatment, any type of restorative treatment, caries or non-carious cervical lesion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who use tobacco or other types of drugs;
* Participants submitted to periodontal treatment in the last 6 months;
* Pregnant participants;
* Participants who did not accept to return to follow-ups;
* Participants who used antibiotics, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, immunomodulators or others that modify the periodontal therapy results during the last 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Alfenas, Minas Gerais

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 Gingival RecessionEstheticsGingiva
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.