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Comparing TCAF and MTUN With Soft Tissue Grafting for Treating Single Recessions in the Premandible

An RCT Comparing Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap (TCAF) and Modified Tunnel Technique (MTUN) in Combination With a Soft Tissue Graft for Single Recession Coverage

Status
Recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07158541
Enrollment
24
Registered
2025-09-08
Start date
2025-08-25
Completion date
2037-12-31
Last updated
2025-09-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Gingival Recession, Gingival Recession, Localized, Gingival Recession Localized Moderate, Gingival Recession, Mucogingival Surgery, Gingival Recession, Plastic Surgery

Keywords

MTUN, TCAF, tunneled coronally advanced flap, modified tunnel, single gingival recession, premandible

Brief summary

Multiple techniques can be used for recession coverage. The most common techniques for single recessions are : tunnel technique (T) and coronally advanced flap (CAF) both combined with a palatal graft to provide sufficient gingival thickness. Recently two modifications have been described in literature, namely the tunneled coronally advanced flap and the modified tunnel. MTUN will function as the control group while people treated with the TCAF technique will function as the test group. This randomized controlled trial compares MTUN and TCAF to determine which technique provides better root coverage for receding gums at single recession in the premandible. The main question it aims to answer is: \- What is the average root coverage achieved with each technique in the short and long term? This may be clinically relevant because covering gum recession can reduce tooth sensitivity, improve aesthetics and make oral hygiene easier. Researchers will compare the modified tunnel technique (MTUN = the gum is undermined) with the tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF = the gum is undermined, only partially detached and repositioned higher). In both techniques, a small piece of tissue is removed from the palate, which is used to cover the recession. The purpose of the connective tissue graft under the flap/tunnel, is to increase thickness and provide support. Pain associated to the material used to cover the donorsite will be seen as the secondary research question. The site will either be covered by spongostan and multiple stitches or a palatal stent. Participants will: * Undergo surgery (MTUN or TCAF, randomly assigned) to cover recessions * Attend regular check-ups for up to 10 years after surgery * Keep a postoperative journal (recording medication use, pain levels, tooth sensitivity, etc.)

Interventions

PROCEDUREtunneled coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft

The gum at the recession site is undermined, only partially detached and reattached higher (combined withh a connective tissue graft).

PROCEDUREmodified tunnel with connective tissue graft

At the recession site, the gingiva is undermined to create a tunnel, and a connective tissue graft is inserted through the sulcus into this space before advancing the flap coronally.

Sponsors

University Hospital, Ghent
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

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)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
mean root coverageFrom enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.The average percentage of previously exposed tooth root surface that becomes covered by gingival tissue following a root coverage procedure.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
pocket depthFrom enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.The distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the sulcus by use of a periodontal probe.
recession reductionFrom enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.The change in the amount of exposed root surface after the root coverage procedure.
width of keratinized tissueFrom enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.The distance from the mucogingival junction to the free gingival margin. It includes free and attached gingival tissue, measured by use of a periodontal probe.
gingival thicknessFrom enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.Thickness of the gingival tissue measured 1-2 mm apical to the gingival margin.
phenotypeFrom enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.Gingival phenotype is classified as thin, thick or combined.
treatment timeOnly measured during surgery in minutes.Time in minutes from the first incision up to the last suture
complete root coverageFrom enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.The percentage of teeth for which the previously exposed root surface is completely covered by gingival tissue following the surgical procedure. These teeth show no visible recession after healing.
post-operative pain at the recession siteFrom one week post-operative up to three months post-operative.Post-operative pain at the recession site will be assessed by the patient using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). A higher score indicates greater pain experienced by the patient.
number of analgesicsFrom one week post-operative up to two weeks post-operative.The number of pain medication tablets consumed by the patient to manage post-operative pain.
score of aesthetic resultFrom six months post-operative up to ten years post-operative.Aesthetic satisfaction will be based on root coverage and color match. Aesthetic satisfaction at the recession site will be assessed by use of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (aesthetic satisfaction not achieved) to 10 (aesthetic satisfaction fully achieved). A higher score indicates greater satisfaction.
root sensitivityFrom one week pre-operative up to ten years post-operative.Root sensitivity is assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), raging from 0 (no sensitivity) to 10 (extreme sensitivity), based on a tactile test with controlled air flow. A higher score indicates that the patient experiences greater sensitivity.
willingness to retreatFrom three months post-operative up to two years post-operative.A patient's willingness to undergo retreatment based on their previous experience with the procedure. It is assessed by use of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (not willing at all) to 10 (extremely willing). A patient reporting a higher score indicates greater willingness.
post-operative pain at the donor siteFrom one week post-operative up to three months post-operative.Post-operative pain at the donor site will be assessed by the patient using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). A higher score indicates greater pain experienced by the patient.

Countries

Belgium

Contacts

Primary ContactVéronique Prof. Dr. Christiaens
vchristi.christiaens@ugent.be+32 332 40 17

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026