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CTG vs VCMX for Peri-implant Soft Tissue Thickness

Peri-implant Soft Tissue Thickness in the Aesthetic Zone: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Connective Tissue Grafts and a Volume-Stable Collagen Matrix

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07324187
Enrollment
36
Registered
2026-01-07
Start date
2022-01-02
Completion date
2025-04-19
Last updated
2026-01-16

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

Conditions

Dental Implants, Missing Tooth/Teeth, Peri-Implant Tissues

Keywords

connective tissue graft,, collagen matrix, peri-implant soft tissue, CTG, VCMX

Brief summary

This investigator-initiated randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated changes in peri-implant soft tissue thickness in the aesthetic zone following soft tissue augmentation. Adult patients requiring single-tooth implant therapy in the aesthetic zone were randomly assigned to receive either an autogenous connective tissue graft (CTG) or a volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) at the implant site. The primary objective of the study was to compare changes in peri-implant soft tissue thickness between the two treatment approaches over time. Secondary objectives included evaluation of aesthetic outcomes, clinical parameters, and treatment-related complications. The study was conducted at a single academic clinical center in Poland in accordance with Good Clinical Practice, the Declaration of Helsinki, and applicable ethical and regulatory requirements. All participants provided written informed consent prior to enrollment.

Detailed description

This investigator-initiated, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of two different soft tissue augmentation approaches on peri-implant soft tissue thickness in the aesthetic zone. The study compared the use of an autogenous connective tissue graft (CTG) with a volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) in patients undergoing single-tooth implant therapy. Eligible adult patients presenting with an indication for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation in the aesthetic zone were enrolled and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of the two intervention groups. In the CTG group, a subepithelial connective tissue graft was harvested from the palate and placed at the peri-implant site. In the VCMX group, a commercially available volume-stable collagen matrix was used for soft tissue augmentation according to the manufacturer's instructions. Standardized surgical and prosthetic protocols were applied in both groups. Clinical examinations and outcome assessments were performed at predefined follow-up visits. The primary outcome measure was the change in peri-implant soft tissue thickness measured at the implant site over time. Secondary outcome measures included additional clinical parameters, aesthetic outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and the incidence of adverse events or complications. The study protocol, patient information sheet, and informed consent form were approved by the Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University prior to study initiation. The study was conducted in compliance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines, ISO 14155, and the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provided written informed consent before any study-related procedures were performed.

Interventions

PROCEDUREConnective Tissue Graft

An autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft harvested from the palatal donor site and used for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation according to a standardized surgical protocol.

A volume-stable collagen matrix used for peri-implant soft tissue augmentation according to the manufacturer's instructions and a standardized surgical protocol.

Sponsors

Medical Innovation Center Wroclaw
Lead SponsorOTHER
Geistlich Pharma AG
CollaboratorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

Clinical outcome assessments were performed by an independent examiner who not involved in the surgical procedures unaware of group allocation.

Intervention model description

Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel intervention groups.

Eligibility

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

Inclusion criteria

* Adults aged 18 years or older. * Single-tooth edentulism in the aesthetic zone of the maxilla or mandible, bordered by natural teeth on both sides. * Bilateral two-tooth edentulism accepted only when implants were placed in separate quadrants. * Indication for dental implant placement with peri-implant soft tissue augmentation. * Adequate bone volume at the implant site confirmed radiographically. * Baseline peri-implant soft tissue thickness suitable for augmentation. * Minimum height of keratinized tissue of at least 2 mm. * Good oral hygiene and periodontal health. * Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* Previous bone grafting procedures at the intended implant site. * Severe periodontal disease or untreated oral infection. * Bruxism or heavy smoking. * Systemic diseases or conditions that could impair wound healing or bone metabolism. * History of radiotherapy in the head and neck region. * Previous or ongoing bisphosphonate therapy. * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Use of medications known to interfere with soft tissue healing.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in peri-implant soft tissue thicknessBaseline and 6 months after soft tissue augmentationChange in peri-implant soft tissue thickness measured at the implant site using a standardized clinical measurement method.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Peri-implant soft tissue thickness at additional follow-up time pointsBaseline, 3 months, and 12 months after augmentationPeri-implant soft tissue thickness assessed at predefined follow-up visits after soft tissue augmentation.

Countries

Poland

Outcome results

None listed

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