Measuring how a gum graft heals
Official title: Dimensional Changes During Early Healing Following Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft for Root Coverage
Run by Ohio State University · NCT07386457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will take non-invasive scans, blood-flow readings, and saliva samples from people getting a gum graft to see how the graft heals over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07386457 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adult OSU dental patients planned for a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for Miller class I–III gingival recession on incisors, canines, or premolars, with low plaque and gingival indices who can give consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with diabetes, organ transplants, medications that affect the gums, active caries on the target tooth, smokeless tobacco use, pregnancy or lactation, or significant immune or hygiene limitations are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study will follow patients at The Ohio State University Graduate Periodontics Clinic who are scheduled for a subepithelial connective tissue graft to treat gingival recession. Investigators will not perform the surgery but will take non-invasive measurements before and at several time points after standard grafting, using a digital intraoral scanner to quantify swelling, a blood-flow device to monitor new vessel formation, and saliva sampling with sterile paper strips to collect biomarkers. Participants are clinical patients who meet inclusion criteria such as Miller class I–III recession, specific tooth locations (incisors, canines, premolars), and low plaque/gingival indices. The goal is to characterize normal healing patterns of grafted gum tissue to inform clinical expectations and post-operative care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help dentists better predict healing times and tailor post-operative care for patients receiving gum grafts.
How similar studies have gone: Similar non-invasive imaging and blood-flow measurement approaches have been used to study soft-tissue healing, but detailed serial characterization specifically after SCTG remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical (oral) Ohio State University College of Dentistry patient, treatment planned for SCTG procedure * Miller Recession Class I, II, or III * Teeth; Maxillary or mandibular incisors, canines, pre-molars * Gingival Index ≤ 1 * Plaque Index ≤ 1 * Able and willing to provide informed consent * Able and willing to complete questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: * Carious lesions on the tooth selected for surgical root coverage * Taking any medications affecting the gingiva and/or oral mucosa: phenytoin, calcium channel blockers , cyclosporin A, immunostimulants/ immunomodulators * Quantitative and/or qualitative defects on host inflammatory cells * Organ transplant(s) * Type I or II diabetes * Currently pregnant or lactating * Usage of smokeless tobacco * Physical/mental handicap which can interfere with adequate oral hygiene performance
Where it's running
-
The Ohio State University Graduate Periodontics Clinic
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Binnaz Leblebicioglu — Ohio State University
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This trial will try a new 3D tunneling surgical technique versus a modified coronally advanced tunnel with connective tissue graft to improve root coverage in adults who have multiple RT2 gingival recessions.
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This test tries to see if planning aligner treatment with 3D CBCT imaging instead of 2D images can reduce gum recession for adults undergoing dental arch expansion.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.