TCAF versus MTUN with soft tissue grafts for a single gum recession in the lower premolar area
An RCT Comparing Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap (TCAF) and Modified Tunnel Technique (MTUN) in Combination With a Soft Tissue Graft for Single Recession Coverage
This compares whether a tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF) or a modified tunnel (MTUN), each combined with a connective tissue graft, gives better root coverage for adults with a single gum recession in the lower premolar area.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07158541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial enrolls adults with a single gingival recession in the premandible and good oral hygiene to compare two surgical techniques: tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF) and modified tunnel (MTUN), both paired with a connective tissue graft. Participants are randomly assigned to the test (TCAF) or control (MTUN) group and followed for short- and long-term measures of root coverage. Primary outcomes are average root coverage at specified follow-up times, with secondary outcomes including sensitivity, aesthetics, and tissue thickness. Smokers and pregnant women are excluded, and procedures are performed at the Department of Periodontology and Implantology of Ghent University.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older in good general health with good oral hygiene and a single gingival recession in the premandible who are non-smokers and not pregnant are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Smokers, pregnant women, people with multiple or widespread recessions, or those with poor oral hygiene or significant systemic disease are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one technique provides better root coverage, patients could experience less tooth sensitivity, improved appearance, and easier oral hygiene for the treated tooth.
How similar studies have performed: Both tunnel and coronally advanced flap techniques combined with connective tissue grafts have shown good root coverage in prior reports, but randomized head-to-head comparisons of TCAF versus MTUN are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * at least 18 years old * good oral hygiene * presence of one recession 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.