ClinicalTrials.gg
Not yet recruitingNCT07748871Pontic-EssixUpdated Aug 6, 2026

Ovate Pontic Versus Essix Provisional After Tooth Extraction and Alveolar Ridge Preservation (Pontic-Essix)

An interventional study of Bio-Oss Collagen and Mucograft Seal in Tooth Loss / Rehabilitation, Tooth Extraction and Alveolar Bone Loss, sponsored by University of Bern. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Switzerland. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-06.

Sponsored by University of Bern · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
40
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This randomized controlled trial compares two provisional socket-sealing concepts following single non-molar tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation: a fixed, tooth-supported, 3D-printed ovate pontic provisional restoration providing active soft tissue support (test) versus a removable Essix-type provisional restoration without intentional soft tissue contact combined with a porcine collagen matrix seal (control). Both groups receive alveolar ridge preservation using a deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen. The primary endpoint is interproximal soft tissue height at 5 months, adjusted for baseline, assessed by digital superimposition of intraoral surface scans. Up to 40 participants will be enrolled at the University of Bern School of Dental Medicine.

Read the detailed description

Following tooth extraction, dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge and loss of interproximal soft tissue height may compromise esthetic and prosthetic outcomes. Alveolar ridge preservation attenuates hard tissue resorption but provides limited active support for the overlying soft tissues during healing. An ovate pontic provisional restoration may provide active soft tissue support and thereby help preserve interproximal soft tissue height. To date, no randomized controlled trial has compared a fixed ovate pontic provisional restoration with a removable non-contact Essix provisional restoration in the context of alveolar ridge preservation.

This is a single-center, open-label, confirmatory, randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups and 1:1 allocation. An adaptive design with an internal pilot phase (n=20) and blinded sample size re-estimation based on the residual variance of the primary endpoint is applied, up to a predefined maximum of 40 participants.

All participants undergo minimally traumatic, flapless single non-molar tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation with Bio-Oss Collagen. Test group: socket sealing by a fixed, 3D-printed ovate pontic provisional restoration providing active soft tissue support. Control group: socket sealing with Mucograft Seal plus a removable Essix-type provisional restoration positioned without intentional soft tissue contact.

Follow-up visits are performed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 5 months. At baseline (T0) and at 5 months, intraoral surface scans, clinical photographs, cone-beam computed tomography, and patient-reported outcomes are collected. The between-group treatment effect on the primary endpoint is estimated using ANCOVA with the 5-month value as dependent variable, treatment group as fixed factor, and the baseline value as covariate; jaw is included as an additional between-subject factor.

02

Conditions studied

  • Tooth Loss / Rehabilitation
  • Tooth Extraction
  • Alveolar Bone Loss
  • Alveolar Ridge Augmentation

Keywords

  • alveolar ridge preservation
  • ovate pontic
  • socket sealing
  • provisional restoration
  • interproximal soft tissue
  • papilla
  • digital superimposition
  • randomized controlled trial
03

In context

Tooth Loss

165 studies on the registry are indexed under Tooth Loss; 44 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 40 is above the median of 30 across 120 interventional studies indexed under Tooth Loss.

Browse Tooth Loss studies →

Lead sponsor

University of Bern is the lead sponsor of 209 studies on the registry; 47 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18 years or older
  • I or II
  • Requiring a single non-molar tooth extraction (incisor, canine, or premolar) in the maxilla or mandible, with planned tooth replacement
  • Extraction site bounded by natural, periodontally stable adjacent teeth
  • Intact alveolar socket upon extraction, or no more than one bony wall (facial, palatal, or lingual) presenting a dehiscence extending less than 50% of the total bony wall height
  • Willingness and ability to comply with the follow-up protocol
  • Ability to give , as documented by signature

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current smokers, or former smokers who quit less than 6 months before extraction
  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus ( > 7.0%)
  • Clinical attachment loss ≥ 2 mm at the extraction site
  • Active or recent chemotherapy, or history of head and neck radiotherapy
  • Current or previous bisphosphonate therapy within the past 10 years
  • medication
  • Active oral or systemic acute infection
  • Severe hematologic disorder, hepatic or renal failure, or any bleeding disorder or anticoagulant medication that cannot be safely managed for the planned surgical procedure
  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Known allergy or to any of the study materials, including bovine-derived bone substitute, porcine-derived collagen matrix, or collagen-containing biomaterials
  • Any other disease or medication that may compromise normal wound healing
  • Inability to follow the study procedures (e.g., insufficient language comprehension, cognitive impairment, psychological disorder, or dementia)
  • Known or suspected non-compliance
  • Participation in another clinical trial that may interfere with the present study
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(6)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

ASA physical status

The anaesthetists’ scale of health before surgery: I is healthy, II has a mild illness that is under control, III a severe one, IV a severe illness that is a constant threat to life. V and VI are used for the critically ill and for organ donors.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

HbA1c

A blood test of average blood sugar over the past two to three months, given as a percentage or in mmol/mol. 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or more is the usual threshold for diabetes, normally confirmed by a second test.

Immunosuppression

A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.

Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.

Clinically significant

Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.

Hypersensitivity

An allergy, or another reaction of the immune system, to a substance. “Hypersensitivity to the study drug” means a known allergic reaction to it — not every side effect a medicine can have.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Fixed ovate pontic provisional

    Following minimally traumatic, flapless tooth extraction, the alveolar socket is grafted with Bio-Oss Collagen. Socket sealing is achieved by a fixed, 3D-printed provisional restoration incorporating an ovate pontic design that extends approximately 2 mm apical to the mucosal margin, providing active soft tissue support to maintain interproximal papilla height and facial soft tissue contour during healing. The provisional is retained by adhesive bonding or temporary cementation on the adjacent teeth. No additional collagen matrix or sutures are placed.

    Device: Bio-Oss Collagen · Procedure: Fixed 3D-printed ovate pontic provisional restoration

  • Active comparator
    Removable Essix provisional with collagen matrix seal

    Following minimally traumatic, flapless tooth extraction, the alveolar socket is grafted with Bio-Oss Collagen. The socket is sealed with a porcine-derived collagen matrix (Mucograft Seal) secured with four to six single interrupted sutures, without primary closure. A removable Essix-type provisional restoration with an integrated artificial tooth is delivered; the pontic is positioned above the mucosal level without intentional soft tissue contact.

    Device: Bio-Oss Collagen · Device: Mucograft Seal · Procedure: Removable Essix provisional restoration

Interventions

  • DeviceBio-Oss Collagen

    Deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland). Used for alveolar ridge preservation by socket grafting after tooth extraction. CE-marked and used within the approved indication.

    Also known as: Fixed ovate pontic provisional, Removable Essix provisional with collagen matrix seal

  • DeviceMucograft Seal

    Patient-specific 3D-printed provisional restoration (PMMA or comparable clinically approved dental provisional material) incorporating an ovate pontic design. Retained by adhesive bonding or temporary cementation on the adjacent teeth. The convex, highly polished pontic extends approximately 2 mm apical to the mucosal margin and above the level of the bone graft, providing active soft tissue support.

  • ProcedureFixed 3D-printed ovate pontic provisional restoration

    Patient-specific 3D-printed provisional restoration (PMMA or comparable clinically approved dental provisional material) incorporating an ovate pontic design. Retained by adhesive bonding or temporary cementation on the adjacent teeth. The convex, highly polished pontic extends approximately 2 mm apical to the mucosal margin and above the level of the bone graft, providing active soft tissue support.

  • ProcedureRemovable Essix provisional restoration

    Patient-specific removable thermoplastic Essix-type appliance with an integrated artificial tooth. The pontic is positioned above the mucosal level without intentional soft tissue contact. Delivered at the surgical visit after socket sealing with the collagen matrix.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Interproximal soft tissue height at 5 months

    Interproximal soft tissue height at 5 months, calculated per participant as the mean of the mesial and distal measurements and expressed in millimeters. Measurements are obtained by digital superimposition of baseline and 5-month intraoral surface scans (Geomagic Control X, 3D Systems) by an independent, calibrated examiner. The between-group treatment effect is estimated using ANCOVA with the 5-month value as the dependent variable, treatment group as a fixed factor, baseline value as a covariate, and jaw as an additional between-subject factor.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months after tooth extraction

Secondary outcomes

  1. Midfacial mucosal level at 5 months

    Vertical position of the midfacial mucosal margin at 5 months (mm), assessed on superimposed intraoral surface scans. The between-group difference is estimated using ANCOVA with the 5-month value as dependent variable and the baseline value as covariate.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  2. Horizontal ridge contour at 5 months

    Horizontal ridge contour at 5 months (mm) at 1, 3, and 5 mm apical to the baseline mucosal reference, assessed on superimposed intraoral surface scans. Baseline-adjusted analysis at each level.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  3. Mucosal thickness at 5 months

    Mucosal thickness at 5 months (mm) at 1, 3, and 5 mm apical to the baseline mucosal reference. Baseline-adjusted analysis at each level

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  4. Volumetric soft tissue at 5 months

    Volumetric soft tissue measurement at 5 months (mm3) within the defined region of interest, assessed on superimposed intraoral surface scans. Baseline-adjusted analysis.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  5. Alveolar hard tissue volume at 5 months

    Volumetric measurement of alveolar hard tissue at 5 months (mm3), assessed on superimposed CBCT data. Baseline-adjusted analysis.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  6. Alveolar hard tissue contour at 5 months

    Linear measurement of alveolar hard tissue contour at 5 months (mm), assessed on superimposed CBCT data. Baseline-adjusted analysis.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  7. Postoperative discomfort (VAS)

    Postoperative discomfort assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, ranging from 0 mm (no discomfort) to 100 mm (worst imaginable discomfort).

    Time frame: 2 weeks and 4 weeks after tooth extraction

  8. Patient satisfaction with function (VAS)

    Patient-rated satisfaction with the function of the provisional restoration, assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, ranging from 0 mm (completely unsatisfied) to 100 mm (completely satisfied).

    Time frame: 5 months

  9. Patient satisfaction with esthetics (VAS)

    Patient-rated satisfaction with the esthetics of the provisional restoration, assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, ranging from 0 mm (completely unsatisfied) to 100 mm (completely satisfied).

    Time frame: 5 months

  10. Patient satisfaction with comfort (VAS)

    Patient-rated satisfaction with the comfort of the provisional restoration, assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, ranging from 0 mm (completely unsatisfied) to 100 mm (completely satisfied).

    Time frame: 5 months

  11. Overall treatment satisfaction (VAS)

    Patient-rated overall satisfaction with the treatment received, assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, ranging from 0 mm (completely unsatisfied) to 100 mm (completely satisfied).

    Time frame: 5 months

  12. Willingness to undergo the same procedure again (VAS)

    Patient-rated willingness to undergo the same procedure again, assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, ranging from 0 mm (definitely not) to 100 mm (definitely yes).

    Time frame: 5 months

  13. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G14)

    German version of the Oral Health Impact Profile, 14-item version. Summary score range 0 to 56; higher scores indicate worse oral health-related quality of life.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  14. Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI)

    German version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Summary score range 12 to 60; higher scores indicate better oral health-related quality of life.

    Time frame: Baseline (T0) and 5 months

  15. Adverse events and provisional-related complications

    Occurrence and rate of adverse events, including postoperative infection, impaired wound healing, soft tissue dehiscence, loss or displacement of the bone substitute or collagen matrix, allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, pressure-induced mucosal lesions, debonding of the fixed provisional restoration, or irritation related to the Essix provisional.

    Time frame: Up to 5 months

07

Study locations

1 site
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Avila-Ortiz G, Gubler M, Romero-Bustillos M, Nicholas CL, Zimmerman MB, Barwacz CA. Efficacy of Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Dent Res. 2020 Apr;99(4):402-409. doi: 10.1177/0022034520905660. Epub 2020 Feb 12. PubMed 32050833 ↗
  • Couso-Queiruga E, Garaicoa-Pazmino C, Fonseca M, Chappuis V, Gonzalez-Martin O, Avila-Ortiz G. Interproximal Soft Tissue Height Changes After Unassisted Socket Healing vs Alveolar Ridge Preservation Therapy. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2024;44(5):520-533. doi: 10.11607/prd.6809. PubMed 37471159 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be publicly shared. The informed consent and data protection framework of this trial do not provide for unrestricted public sharing of coded participant-level data. Aggregated study results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and posted in the Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal (SNCTP) and on ClinicalTrials.gov in accordance with ClinO Art. 65a.

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Start is estimated for Oct 2026; primary completion for Feb 2029, 28 months later.

Of 71 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Tooth Loss, half reached primary completion within 28 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 12 and three quarters within 48. This study's planned 28 months is close to that.

Counting every sponsor, half of 77 studies reached it within 28 months; a quarter within 12 and three quarters within 48.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Jul 31, 2026
First posted
Aug 6, 2026
StartEst.
Oct 2026
Primary completionEst.
Feb 2029
CompletionEst.
Feb 2029
Last update
Aug 6, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Aug 6, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07748871
Lead sponsor
University of Bern
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Aug 6, 2026
Start date
Oct 2026 (estimated)
Primary completion
Feb 2029 (estimated)
Completion
Feb 2029 (estimated)
Last update
Aug 6, 2026

Study contacts

Nicole Schenk, Dr. med. dent.
Contact
nicole.schenk@unibe.ch
+41 31 684 06 35
Martin Schimmel, Prof. Dr. med. dent.
Contact
martin.schimmel@unibe.ch
+41 31 684 06 35
Nicole Schenk, Dr. med. dent.
principal investigator · University of Bern, Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology
Martin Schimmel, Prof. Dr. med. dent.
study chair · University of Bern, Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology
Emilio Couso-Queiruga, PD Dr. med. dent.
study director · University of Bern, Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Jul 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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