Gum RecessionMCATTsNCT07453147
Selective Versus Contiguous Connective Tissue Grafts in the Modified Tunnel Technique
A study testing Selective/Segmented graft and Continuous graft in people with Gum Recession, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege at 2 sites in 2 countries.
Trial summary
The goal of this study is to evaluate how effective a gum grafting procedure is in treating gum recession that affects several teeth. Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the roots. The study will look at how the treatment improves gum health, appearance, and function. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Gum Recession
- What is being tested?
- Selective/Segmented graft and Continuous graft
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesin 2 countries
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 1 Sep 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- ASA I or ASA II
- Good periodontal health
- Able to undergo oral surgery
- Must be 18 years old and older
- No smoking
- At least two teeth in the same sector in the maxilla and the right and left mandible (except in the mandibular incisive sector), of which at least 2 are contiguous, with vestibular gingival recessions of type RT 1 of 1-5mm (Cairo et al. 2011)
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- An identifiable or restorable cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), with or without the presence of a non-carious cervical lesion (Pini-Prato et al. 2010)
- Plaque index (O'Leary 1972) and bleeding index (Ainamo et al. 1975) scores of less than 20%
- Able to give informed consent and have signed the consent forms
Who cannot join
- Teeth showing recession associated with a carious lesion, restoration or cervical prosthesis involving CEJ
- Teeth with recession depth >5mm
- Molars with recessions will be treated but will not be taken into account for the measurements
- Teeth with recession that have already undergone periodontal surgery
- Presence of severe tooth malposition, rotation or significant version of the tooth
- Smoker and ex-smoker
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- Patient suffering from a disease affecting the periodontium
- Patient with clinical signs of active periodontitis
- Known pregnancy in progress or breastfeeding
- Contraindication to surgery
- Conditions or circumstances which would prevent completion of study participation or interfere with analysis of study results, such as history of no-compliance or unreliability
- Patients deprived of their liberty or under legal protection
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 2 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
2 sites in 2 countries
Belgium1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
CHU de Liège
Liège, Liège, 4000
Zacharenia Zoi ZAFEIRIADOU, MsC, +32 4 323 54 27, uperio@chuliege.be
France1 site, 1 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
26K Center for clinical research
Paris, 75116
Sofia Aroca, PhD, 0033139733434, 26kparis@26kparis.com
About this study
Official title: Evaluation of the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel Technique Associated With a Selective/Segmented Versus Contiguous Submerged Connective Tissue Graft for the Treatment of Multiple Gingival Recessions: Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial
The goal of this study is to evaluate how effective a gum grafting procedure is in treating gum recession that affects several teeth. Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the roots. The study will look at how the treatment improves gum health, appearance, and function.
A total of 32 patients will take part in the study. All patients will be treated with a modified coronally advanced tunnel. For half of them of contiguous graft will be used, for the other half a segmented graft.
Read more
Data collected will include medical history, dental and aesthetic information, clinical measurements, and a digital scan of the mouth.
The study will include the following steps:
Before the procedure: You will have a clinical and X-ray examination to determine how much your gums have receded. A digital impression of your teeth will also be taken.
Surgical procedure: You will receive a gum graft to cover the exposed roots. This involves moving gum tissue, often taken from the roof of your mouth, to the affected areas.
After the procedure: You will have several follow-up visits over a few months to check your healing and the results of the treatment.
Study timeline:
The surgery will be done once. Follow-up visits will take place 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. The total duration of the study is about 12 months.
- Conditions
- Gum Recession
- Being tested
- Selective/Segmented graft, Continuous graft
- Keywords
- Gum recession, Recession treatment, Tunnel technique, Connective tissue graft, Gingival recession
- Medical subject headings
- Gingival Recession
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Selective/Segmented graftProcedure or surgery
In this group a segmented CTG will be used
Continuous graftProcedure or surgery
In this group a continuous CTG will be used
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Selective/Segmented graft | Experimental | In this group a segmented CTG will be used Receives: Procedure: Selective/Segmented graft |
| Continuous graft | Active comparator | In this group a continuous CTG will be used Receives: Procedure: Continuous graft |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Digital complete root coverage
defined as the presence/absence of complete coverage of the recession at the mid-buccal aspect. It will be evaluated by taking the CEJ as a reference line, at the different timepoints, analysed digitally using the digital impression
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Secondary outcomes (11)
Complete Root Coverage
defined as the presence/absence of complete coverage of the recession at the mid-buccal aspect. It will be evaluated by taking the CEJ as a reference line, at the different timepoints.
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Mean Root Coverage
defined as the percentage of root coverage in the mid-buccal aspect, taking baseline as a refer-ence. It equals to difference of the linear distance (in mm, using probe) between the mid-buccal point of the CEJ and the mid-buccal margin at baseline and different timepoints, divided by the distance between the mid buccal point of the CEJ and the mid buccal margin at baseline. The MRC will be measured as percentage (%).
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Keratinized Tissue Height
Defined as the linear height of keratinized tissue, measured between the mid-buccal gingival mar-gin of the treated tooth and the muco-gingival junction (in mm using a probe). It will be measured at baseline and at the different timepoints.
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Recession reduction
defined as the linear reduction in recession (in mm using a probe), at the mid buccal aspect, be-tween baseline and the different timepoints. It will be measured at the different timepoints.
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Dental hypersensitivity
Assessed by 10 s air spray applied to the buccal cervical area (yes/no).
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Root-coverage Esthetic Score
Evaluated at the different timepoints according to Cairo et al. (2009).
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Digital mean root coverage
Defined as the percentage of root coverage in the mid-buccal aspect, taking baseline as a refer-ence. Measured by dividing the mean surface (in mm²) of the root covered by the procedure by the mean surface (in mm²) of root exposed at baseline. Measured digitally at 3-6 months and 1 year after surgery.
[(Initial Exposed Root Surface(mm2) - Post-operative exposed root surface(mm2)) / Initial Exposed Root Surface(mm2)] x 100%.
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Digital recession reduction
defined as the reduction in recession (in mm², measured digitally), at the mid-buccal aspect, be-tween baseline and the different timepoints. It will be measured at the different timepoints.
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Digital Gingival soft tissues profile
Defined as the change in gingival soft tissue thickness between baseline and the different timepoints, measured at the mid buccal aspect, between baseline and the different timepoints tak-ing CEJ as reference.
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Volumetric Changes
evaluated as 3D changes in the volume of gingival tissue between different timepoints, measured using the digital impression.
Measured: 3, 6 and 12 months
Patient Reported Outcome Measures
Self-perceived pain: Reported on a 100mm VAS scale ranging from 0 (no pain at all) to 100 (worst pain possible).
Number, nature and frequency of medication: Patients will be asked to report every take of medica-tion (substance, posology, and time of the day).
Swelling: Reported on a 100 mm VAS scale ranging from 0 (no swelling at all) to 100 (worst swelling possible). T Bleeding: Reported on a 100 mm VAS scale ranging from 0 (no bleeding at all) to 100 (worst bleed-ing possible).
Discomfort during surgery: Reported on a 100 mm VAS scale ranging from 0 (no discomfort at all) to 100 (a lot of discomfort).
Self-perceived hypersensitivity Aesthetic outcome (self-evaluation): Reported on a 100 mm VAS scale ranging from 0 (no not satis-fied at all) to 100 (best outcome they could imagine).
Report other adverse effects/ complications
Measured: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14 days and 3, 6, 12 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion1 Sep 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Gum RecessionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- 26K Center for Clinical Research
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Isabelle Laleman, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07453147
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- B7072025000052
- Acronym
- MCATTs
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 5 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Evaluation of the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel Technique Associated With a Selective/Segmented Versus Contiguous Submerged Connective Tissue Graft for the Treatment of Multiple Gingival Recessions: Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07453147
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MCATTs / B7072025000052
- Conditions
- Gum Recession
- Keywords
- Gum recession, Recession treatment, Tunnel technique, Connective tissue graft, Gingival recession
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de LiegeUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- 26K Center for Clinical Research
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Sep 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this study is to evaluate how effective a gum grafting procedure is in treating gum recession that affects several teeth. Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the roots. The study will look at how the treatment improves gum health, appearance, and function.
A total of 32 patients will take part in the study. All patients will be treated with a modified coronally advanced tunnel. For half of them of contiguous graft will be used, for the other half a segmented graft.
Data collected will include medical history, dental and aesthetic information, clinical measurements, and a digital scan of the mouth.
The study will include the following steps:
Before the procedure: You will have a clinical and X-ray examination to determine how much your gums have receded. A digital impression of your teeth will also be taken.
Surgical procedure: You will receive a gum graft to cover the exposed roots. This involves moving gum tissue, often taken from the roof of your mouth, to the affected areas.
After the procedure: You will have several follow-up visits over a few months to check your healing and the results of the treatment.
Study timeline:
The surgery will be done once. Follow-up visits will take place 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. The total duration of the study is about 12 months.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Selective/Segmented graft | Experimental | Procedure: Selective/Segmented graftIn this group a segmented CTG will be used |
| Continuous graft | Active comparator | Procedure: Continuous graftIn this group a continuous CTG will be used |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- ASA I or ASA II
- Good periodontal health
- Able to undergo oral surgery
- Must be 18 years old and older
- No smoking
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- Teeth showing recession associated with a carious lesion, restoration or cervical prosthesis involving CEJ
- Teeth with recession depth >5mm
- Molars with recessions will be treated but will not be taken into account for the measurements
- Teeth with recession that have already undergone periodontal surgery
- Presence of severe tooth malposition, rotation or significant version of the tooth
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Selective/Segmented graftIn this group a segmented CTG will be used | Procedure or surgery | Selective/Segmented graft |
| Continuous graftIn this group a continuous CTG will be used | Procedure or surgery | Continuous graft |
Primary outcome
Digital complete root coverage
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
defined as the presence/absence of complete coverage of the recession at the mid-buccal aspect. It will be evaluated by taking the CEJ as a reference line, at the different timepoints, analysed digitally using the digital impression
11 secondary outcomes
Complete Root Coverage
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Mean Root Coverage
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Keratinized Tissue Height
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Recession reduction
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Dental hypersensitivity
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Root-coverage Esthetic Score
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Digital mean root coverage
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Digital recession reduction
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Digital Gingival soft tissues profile
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Volumetric Changes
Time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months
Patient Reported Outcome Measures
Time frame: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14 days and 3, 6, 12 months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
2 sites in 2 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Selective/Segmented graft and Continuous graft in people with Gum Recession, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege at 2 sites in 2 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Belgium, France. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Digital complete root coverage (time frame: 3, 6 and 12 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Mar 2026.