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Pontic Site Development With or Without Fixed Partial Denture
Sponsor: Cairo University
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of soft tissue augmentation using connective tissue graft (CTG) in pontic site defects. It compares clinical and volumetric outcomes between sites with an existing fixed partial denture (FDP) and sites without an FDP. Following tooth extraction, alveolar ridge resorption often leads to soft tissue defects that can compromise esthetics, function, and prosthetic outcomes. CTG is considered the gold standard for soft tissue augmentation due to its predictable improvement in tissue thickness and stability. In this non-randomized clinical trial, patients with single edentulous sites in the esthetic zone will undergo CTG using a standardized surgical technique. The primary outcome is keratinized tissue thickness, while secondary outcomes include keratinized tissue width, volumetric soft tissue changes, esthetic evaluation (Pink Esthetic Score), plaque index, post-operative pain, and patient satisfaction. Clinical and digital assessments will be conducted preoperatively and at follow-up intervals up to 6 months. The study aims to determine whether performing CTG around an existing bridge provides comparable or improved outcomes compared to sites without a bridge, potentially offering a less invasive alternative to prosthetic replacement.
Official title: Clinical and Volumetric Evaluation of Soft Tissue Augmentation Using Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) in Pontic Site Defects With and Without Fixed Partial Dentures. A Non-randomized Clinical Trial.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2025-10-06
Completion Date
2027-06-01
Last Updated
2026-05-01
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Connective Tissue Graft (CTG)
Soft tissue augmentation will be performed using a subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) harvested from the palate and placed at the pontic site using a minimally invasive pouch/tunnel technique. The procedure aims to increase soft tissue thickness and improve contour in edentulous ridge defects. The same surgical protocol will be applied in all participants, with variation based only on the presence or absence of an existing fixed partial denture.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt