Pontic Site Development With or Without Fixed Partial Denture

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.

NCT Number	NCT07535060
Lead Sponsor	Cairo University
Conditions	Mucogingival Defects, Pontic Site Development, Keratinized Tissue Deficiency, Connective Tissue Graft
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2025-10-06
Primary Completion	2027-06-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-06-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-01