Improving gum tissue around teeth and implants using two grafting techniques

Gain of Keratinized Mucosa Around Teeth and Dental Implants Using a Combination of Strip Gingival Graft and Acellular Dermal Matrix

NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT04920136

This study is testing two different methods to improve gum tissue around teeth and implants to see which one works better for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham (other)
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT04920136 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This investigation compares two techniques for enhancing the quality of gum tissue in areas lacking keratinized tissue. It is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a Free Gingival Graft (FGG) versus a combination of a Strip Gingival Graft (SGG) and Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM). The study aims to determine which technique leads to better clinical outcomes, such as increased keratinized tissue and improved aesthetics, as well as patient-centered outcomes like pain and swelling. Participants will be monitored for changes in tissue quality and overall satisfaction with the results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults over 18 years old with teeth or implants lacking keratinized tissue.

Not a fit: Patients with active periodontal disease or systemic conditions that affect healing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with improved gum tissue health and aesthetics around their teeth and dental implants.

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

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English speaking
* At least 18 years old
* Able to read and understand informed consent document
* Patients with teeth/implants lacking keratinized tissue.
* Must be a patient of the UAB Dental School
* Presence of periodontally healthy, non-carious neighboring teeth, healthy implants or edentulous ridges on either side of the involved site(s)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speaking
* Less than 18 years old
* Smokers/tobacco users (\>10 cigarettes/day)
* Patients with systemic pathologies or conditions contraindicating oral surgical procedures or adversely affecting wound healing
* Presence of active periodontal disease
* Previous soft tissue grafting at the site(s) to be treated

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

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, Lack of Keratinized Attached Peri-implant Mucosa, Thin Gingiva, Attached mucosa, Keratinized tissue, Dental implants, Connective tissue

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.