Which flap technique helps implant gums heal better? new study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07595211
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two common surgical techniques used to uncover dental implants during a second-stage procedure: the Apically Positioned Flap and the Rolled Flap Technique. Researchers want to see which method leads to better gum healing, thickness, and appearance over one year. Sixteen adults with two dental implants ready for uncovering will participate, with each implant receiving a different technique for direct comparison.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Apically Positioned Flap and Rolled Flap Technique (surgical procedures)
- What this could lead to
- If this study succeeds, it could help dentists choose the best surgical method to improve gum healing and appearance around dental implants.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 16 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedures are routine, so no major breakthroughs are expected.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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 16 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jun 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2028
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 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: 1. Patients between the ages of 18-80. 2. Non-smokers or former smokers with at least a 5-year successful cessation history. 3. Patients with normal systemic health (ASA-I) or well-controlled/stable systemic conditions (ASA-II), such as diabetes with HbA1c \< 7.0%, no recent acute myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accidents within 6 months, or any contraindication for periodontal or implant surgery. 4. Patients who had, or plan to have, 2 non-adjacent implants of the same system placed under a two-stage implant protocol. 5. The diameter discrepancy of the 2 target implants must be less than 1 mm. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current smokers, or smokers who have quit \<5 years prior to study entry. 2. Pregnant or lactating women 3. Patients with substance or alcohol abuse 4. Patients with a history of antiresorptive therapy, head and neck radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for malignant tumors 5. Other systemic conditions or medication affecting wound healing. 6. Poor plaque control with plaque score \> 20% 7. Active/untreated odontogenic and periodontal infections 8. Implants placed, or planned to be placed, with one-stage implant protocol. 9. The diameter discrepancy of the 2 target implants is equal to or greater than 1 mm (≥ 1 mm). 10. Implants showing signs of early peri-implant bone loss or infection. 11. Severe loss of keratinized tissue (\> 50%) at the implant site 12. Non-English speaking individuals for studies involving informed consent.
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As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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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
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