NCT07158528

Comparing CAF and TCAF With Soft Tissue Grafting for Treating Multiple Recessions in the Maxilla.

An RCT Comparing Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) and Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap (TCAF) in Combination With a Soft Tissue Graft for Multiple Recessions Coverage in the Maxilla.

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Ghent · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Multiple techniques can be used for recession coverage. The most common techniques are: tunnel technique (T), coronally advanced flap (CAF) or a combination of both (TCAF). Tunnel and coronally advanced flap are frequently used in clinical practice, whereas the combined technique is a relatively recently developed surgical approach. This randomized controlled trial compares CAF and TCAF to determine which technique provides better root coverage for receding gums at multiple adjacent teeth in the upper jaw. 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 coronally advanced flap (CAF = the gum is detached and repositioned higher) 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. Participants will: * Undergo surgery (CAF 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.)

Conditions

• Gingival Recession Generalized Moderate
• Gingival Recession Localized Moderate
• Gingival Recession, Generalized
• Gingival Recession, Localized
• Gingival Recession, Plastic Surgery
• Gingival Recessions
• Gingival Recession, Mucogingival Surgery

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft	The gum at the recession site is elevated and repositioned higher, combined with a connective tissue graft.
PROCEDURE	tunneled coronally advanced flap with a connective tissue graft	The gum at the recession site is undermined, only partially detached, and repositioned higher, combined with a connective tissue graft.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-18
• Primary completion: 2037-12-31
• Completion: 2037-12-31
• First posted: 2025-09-08
• Last updated: 2025-09-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Belgium