Root coverage with Emdogain versus root coverage with cross-linked hyaluronic acid
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN17988982 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17988982 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil known |
| Protocol serial number | ME/11.2024 |
| Sponsor | Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara |
| Funder | Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy |
- Submission date
- 20/11/2024
- Registration date
- 22/11/2024
- Last edited
- 12/09/2025
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Oral Health
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Gingival recession, where the gum tissue recedes and exposes the tooth root, is a common dental condition that can lead to sensitivity, root decay, and aesthetic concerns. This study aims to compare two methods for treating gingival recession when combined with a connective tissue graft (CTG), the gold standard treatment. One method uses cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA), and the other uses enamel matrix derivative (EMD). By comparing these treatments, the study hopes to identify which approach provides better gum coverage, tissue healing, and patient satisfaction.
Who can participate?
Adults aged 18 to 70 years old with specific types of gum recession (classified as RT1-2 or Miller Class I-III) in good general health can participate.
What does the study involve?
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups:
Group A: Connective tissue graft (CTG) combined with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA)
Group B: CTG combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD)
A minimally invasive gum surgery will be performed in which the CTG will be placed into a tunnel created beneath the gums, and either HA or EMD will be applied to the tooth root. All procedures will be performed under local anesthesia by an experienced periodontist. The study includes follow-up visits to monitor healing and results for six months.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants may benefit from improved gum health, reduced sensitivity, and better aesthetics as part of their treatment. Risks are minimal and include common surgical risks such as swelling, mild discomfort, or temporary bleeding, all of which are manageable and expected to subside quickly.
Where is the study run from?
The Department of Periodontology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
When Is the Study Starting and How Long Is It Expected to Run For?
November 2024 to December 2026, with recruitment, treatment, and follow-up taking place over 24 months. Results and analysis will be completed within 27 months.
Who is funding the study?
The University Clinic of Periodontology of Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy funds,
Who Is the Main Contact?
Dr. Meizi Eliezer, meizi.eliezer@gmail.com
Contact information
Public, Scientific, Principal investigator
Golomb st 77 apartment 2
Herzelia
4630577
Israel
 ORCID ID |
0000-0003-2164-1272 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +9720522577260 |
| meizi.eliezer@gmail.com |
Scientific
Str. Emanoil Gojdu 5
Timisoara
300176
Romania
| Phone | +40744521470 |
|---|---|
| s.stratul@gmail.com |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Single-blind randomized controlled trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Root coverage with adjunctive enamel matrix derivative vs. cross-linked hyaluronic acid: 6-months, blinded RCT |
| Study acronym | RC EMD XHYA |
| Study objectives | It is hypothesized that there is no significant difference in the primary outcomes of the percentage of root coverage and thickness of keratinized tissue between the crosslinked HA and EMD groups. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 18/11/2024, The Committee on Research Ethics of the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara (P-ța Eftimie Murgu, nr. 2, Timișoara, 300041, Romania; +40744521470; cecs@umft.ro), ref: 61/18.11.2024 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Gingival recession coverage treatment |
| Intervention | The study will include patients presenting with gingival recessions classified as RT1-2 (Cairo, 2011) or Miller Class I-III (Miller, 1985) on maxillary or mandibular teeth. A total of 60 recession defects will be enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups using block randomisation because it will ensure balanced group sizes at all stages of the trial. Group A will undergo recession coverage using a subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) combined with cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA), while Group B will be treated with enamel matrix derivatives (EMD). To ensure consistency, all surgeries will be performed under local anesthesia by a single experienced periodontist, Dr Meizi Eliezer. The surgical tunnel will be created using a lateral closed tunnel or a modified coronally advanced tunnel technique. The subepithelial CTG will be inserted into the tunnel, and either cross-linked HA or EMD will be applied to the exposed root surface to enhance regeneration and achieve optimal outcomes. Flaps will be repositioned and sutured. Patients will undergo standard post-operative care for regenerative procedures. Sutures will be removed three weeks after the surgery, and gentle brushing of the operated areas will be resumed after three weeks. Patients will enter supportive periodontal care, depending on the gingival and periodontal status. |
| Intervention type | Procedure/Surgery |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Percentage of root coverage measured using a periodontal probe (PCP-UNC15 HuFriedy ) with a consistent reference point (CEJ) measured to the gingival margin position at 6 months post-surgery |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Clinical attachment level gain will be assessed through the following measures: |
| Completion date | 31/12/2026 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 50 |
| Total final enrolment | 90 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Patients with RT1-2 or Miller 1-3, gingival recessions on maxillary or mandibular teeth 2. Aged between 18-70 years old 3. In good general health 4. Non-smokers or smoking up to 10 cigarettes/day |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Systemic diseases affecting periodontal health 2. Without periodontal active disease 3. Smoking above 10 cigarettes/day 4. Pregnancy |
| Date of first enrolment | 21/11/2024 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/08/2025 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Romania
Study participating centre
Timișoara
300176
Romania
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study will be available upon request from Dr. Meizi Eliezer, meizi.eliezer@gmail.com, and from Prof.Dr. Stefan-Ioan Stratul, s.stratul@gmail.com |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
12/09/2025: Total final enrolment added.
18/06/2025: The recruitment end date was changed from 01/06/2025 to 01/08/2025.
21/11/2024: Study's existence confirmed by the Committee on Research Ethics of the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara.
