Timing of soft tissue grafting after immediate dental implant placement

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Timing of Soft Tissue Grafting Following Immediate Implant Placement

NA · University Ghent · NCT05537545

This study is testing whether getting a soft tissue graft right after or three months after getting a dental implant helps improve the thickness of the gum tissue around the implant for people receiving immediate implants in the front of their mouths.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Ghent (other)
Locations1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen)
Trial IDNCT05537545 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the timing of soft tissue grafting in patients receiving single immediate dental implants in the anterior maxilla. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive a connective tissue graft immediately after implant placement or three months later. Prior to the procedure, a low-dose cone beam computed tomography will be performed to assess bone integrity and availability. The study aims to evaluate the effects of graft timing on soft tissue thickness around the implant.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old with a failing incisor, cuspid, or premolar in the maxilla and sufficient bone for implant stability.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have systemic diseases, smoke, or have untreated periodontal disease will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve outcomes for patients receiving immediate dental implants by optimizing soft tissue healing and aesthetics.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different timing of soft tissue grafting, but this specific approach is being evaluated for the first time in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 20 years old
* Good oral hygiene defined as full-mouth plaque score ≤ 25% (O'Leary et al. 1972)
* Presence of an incisor, cuspid or premolar in the maxilla that needs to be extracted for any reason with at least one neighboring tooth present
* At least 3 mm bone available at the apical or palatal aspect of the alveolus as assessed on CBCT to ensure primary implant stability
* Intact buccal bone wall at the time of extraction
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Systemic diseases
* Smoking
* Suppuration
* \> 1 mm gingival asymmetry between the failing and contralateral tooth
* Untreated periodontal disease; untreated caries lesions

Where this trial is running

Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen

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: Bone Resorption, dental implant, single tooth, immediate, connective tissue graft

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.