Article:

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.