Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Non-surgical vs. Surgical Therapy for Periodontal Furcations

This study aims to discover the most effective way to treat a common problem in gum disease, specifically when inflammation and bone loss affect the roots of molar teeth (back teeth). This condition, called 'furcation involvement,' makes these teeth harder to treat and increases the risk of losing them. Although many people with gum disease experience this, there isn't much clear evidence on which treatment is best for advanced cases. This trial will compare non-surgical treatments, like deep cleaning, with surgical options that involve reshaping or rebuilding bone around the roots. The goal is to provide better guidance for dentists to help patients keep their molars for longer.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

21 Apr 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2029

Furcation Defects Periodontitis Surgical Procedure, Unspecified

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a common but tricky problem that can happen with gum disease (periodontitis). Gum disease is when the tissues and bone supporting your teeth get inflamed, leading to bone loss. If untreated, this can cause teeth to become loose and even fall out.

Specifically, this study focuses on a particular issue called 'furcation involvement.' This happens in your back teeth (molars) where the roots split. If gum disease causes bone loss in this split area, it becomes very difficult to clean and treat. This can significantly increase the risk of losing these important teeth.

Even though many people with gum disease experience this problem, especially in more advanced cases, dentists don't have clear guidance from research on the very best way to treat it. This study aims to fill that gap. Researchers will compare two main approaches: non-surgical treatments, which typically involve thorough cleaning below the gum line, and surgical treatments, which might involve carefully reshaping the bone or trying to encourage new bone growth around the affected roots. The overall goal is to find out which treatment helps patients keep their affected molars for as long as possible.

Key takeaways

This study compares different treatments for advanced gum disease affecting back teeth.
It focuses on a difficult problem called 'furcation involvement' where bone is lost around tooth roots.
Researchers want to find the best way to help patients keep these teeth for longer.
You would be followed up for approximately 5 years to see the long-term results.
Participation could offer access to treatments and contribute important knowledge to dental science.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 85 who have severe gum disease. You would need to have at least 12 of your own teeth and have received a deep cleaning treatment for your gums within the last six months.

Crucially, you would also need to have at least one back tooth (molar) that shows a specific type of advanced gum disease in the root area, where the roots split. This means there's significant bone loss, deep gum pockets, and the area isn't easy to clean with normal brushing.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently had antibiotics, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain medical conditions that could affect gum surgery, or if the molar tooth in question has other problems like ongoing infections, previous surgery in that specific area, or is too damaged to fix.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 85 years old?
Do you have severe gum disease (periodontitis)?
Have you had a deep gum cleaning (non-surgical therapy) in the last 6 months?
Do you have at least one back tooth (molar) with advanced bone loss where the roots split?
Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you NOT taken antibiotics in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are interested in taking part and meet the initial criteria, a member of the research team will explain the study in more detail and give you an information sheet to read. You'll have time to ask questions and decide if you want to participate. If you agree, you'll have an initial appointment.

During the study, you would be followed for approximately 5 years. Before starting the study treatment, any other necessary dental work, like fillings or extractions in other areas of your mouth, would be completed. The study will aim to understand how well the different treatments work over a longer period.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you access to cutting-edge treatments for your gum disease, potentially helping to save your molar teeth. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with both non-surgical deep cleaning and gum surgery, such as discomfort, swelling, or infection, which the dental team will discuss thoroughly with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future dental care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'furcation involvement'?

This is when gum disease has caused bone loss in the tricky area where the roots of your back teeth (molars) split, making them harder to clean and more at risk of being lost.

What does 'non-surgical' treatment involve?

This usually means a very thorough and deep cleaning of the affected root surfaces under the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar.

What does 'surgical' treatment involve?

This could include reshaping the bone around the roots or attempting to encourage new bone growth in that area to help support the tooth.

How long will the study last if I take part?

If you join the study, you'll be involved for about 5 years so researchers can see the long-term effects of the treatments.

Will I have to pay to be in the study?

The information provided does not indicate any costs for patients participating in the trial, but you should always confirm this with the research team.