Article:
The Socket-Shield Technique to Support the Buccofacial Tissues at Immediate Implant Placement
Summary:
Tooth loss and subsequent ridge collapse continue to burden restorative implant treatment. Careful management
of the post-extraction tissues is needed to preserve the alveolar ridge. In-lieu of surgical augmentation to correct a
ridge defect, the socket-shield technique offers a promising solution. As the root submergence technique retains the
periodontal attachment and maintains the alveolar ridge for pontic site development, this case report demonstrates
the hypothesis that retention of a prepared tooth root section as a socket-shield prevents the recession of tissues
buccofacial to an immediately placed implant.
The socket-shield technique
is a highly promising addition to clinical implant dentistry and this case report is among the first to demonstrate the
procedure in clinical practice with a 1-year follow up.