Dimensional changes of autogenous free epithelialized gingival grafts on different bed preparations among dental patients with thin tissue phenotypes: a randomized clinical trial
NCT ID NCT05684068
First seen Sep 09, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the dimensional changes in the short and long-term in patients with thin gum tissues who have gum grafts placed on either denuded bone or gum grafts placed on a bone with some tissues remaining. The main question this study aims to answer is: \- Does the placement of free-epithelized gingival grafts (gum grafts) on full thickness bed preparation (having all of the tissue removed from the bone) lead to similar clinical, digital, and patient-related outcomes and measurements over a period of 12 months versus split thickness bed preparation (where a small layer of tissue is left over the bone) in patients with thin gum tissue phenotypes (gum tissue is generally less than 1.5 millimeters) who are in need of soft tissue augmentation procedures? Participants will be asked to attend 8 visits, which include: (i) screening visit, (ii) prophylaxis visit, (iii) random assignment to Group A or Group B along with surgery and digital data collection, (iv) 2-week post-operative visit, (v) 6-week post-operative visit, (vi) 3-month follow-up visit, (vii) 6-month follow-up visit, (viii) 12-month follow-up visit. Also, Group A will have a free epithelialized gingival/mucosal graft (gum graft) placed on full thickness periosteal bed preparation where all of the tissue was removed (test group). Group B will have a free epithelialized gingival/mucosal graft (gum graft) on split thickness periosteal bed preparation where only a portion of the tissue was removed (control group). Researchers will compare Group A and Group B to see if there is a difference in clinical, digital, and patient-related outcomes and measurements over a period of 12 months.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2028
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 95 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 18-95 years of age * Inactive periodontal disease * Lack of, or an insufficient (less than 2 millimeters) band of keratinized tissue width on the buccal site (closest to the cheek) * Shallow vestibule depth (the space between the soft tissue (lips and cheeks), and the teeth and gums) * Thin gingival phenotype (less than 1.5mm of gum tissue depth). * Aberrant frenum attachment in need of free-epithelized gingival grafts. * At least one RT1, 2, or 3 (Cairo's classification) gingival recession defect on the mandibular anterior sextant (Teeth #22-27). * Non-smokers or past smokers (those who have stopped at minimum 6 months ago). * Patient willing and able to follow instruction related to the study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous soft tissue augmentation procedures at the area of interest. * Current smokers (Light smokers meaning less than 10 cigarettes/day, heavy smokers meaning more than 10 cigarettes/day, or social smokers) * Uncontrolled systemic disease (uncontrolled diabetes defined by blood sugar HbA1c greater than 7%) * Any active local or systemic infections * Any diseases or medications that may compromise normal wound healing * Currently receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy or a history of radiotherapy in head and neck area. * Severe hematologic (blood) disorders * Pregnancy or nursing mother * Patients undergoing orthodontic therapy * Patients taking antibiotics in the past 3 months
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics
Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Gum graft boost: growth factors may strengthen receding gum repair
- Micro-needling vs. gum graft: a tiny trial tests a simpler fix for receding gums
- Can a strip of your own gum plus donor tissue rebuild healthier gums?