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
1 other identifier
interventional
24
1 country
1
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.)
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at below P25 for not_applicable
Started Aug 2025
Longer than P75 for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
August 25, 2025
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
August 28, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
September 8, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 31, 2037
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
December 31, 2037
September 16, 2025
September 1, 2025
12.4 years
August 28, 2025
September 9, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
mean root coverage
The average percentage of previously exposed tooth root surface that becomes covered by gingival tissue following a root coverage procedure.
From enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.
Secondary Outcomes (13)
complete root coverage
From enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.
pocket depth
From enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.
recession reduction
From enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.
width of keratinized tissue
From enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.
gingival thickness
From enrollment up to ten years after surgical treatment.
- +8 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (2)
TCAF + CTG
ACTIVE COMPARATORTunneled coronally advanced flap with a connective tissue graft.
MTUN + CTG
ACTIVE COMPARATORModified tunnel with connective tissue graft.
Interventions
The gum at the recession site is undermined, only partially detached and reattached higher (combined withh a 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.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- at least 18 years old
- good oral hygiene
- presence of one recession in the premandible
- good general health
You may not qualify if:
- smoker
- pregnant women (assessed at each visit; if the patient appears pregnant during follow-up, x-rays will not be taken)
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Department of Periodontology and Implantology of Ghent University
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, 9000, Belgium
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- DOUBLE
- Who Masked
- INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
August 28, 2025
First Posted
September 8, 2025
Study Start
August 25, 2025
Primary Completion (Estimated)
December 31, 2037
Study Completion (Estimated)
December 31, 2037
Last Updated
September 16, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-09