Socket shield technique for optimizing aesthetic results of immediate implants

Loss of alveolar bone may be attributed to various factors, such periodontal diseases, endodontic pathology, facial trauma, and traumatic tooth extraction. Different techniques such as ridge preservation procedures have been proposed to maintain the ridge dimension to a certain amount. However, applying these methods to extraction sockets could not completely preserve the coronal part of facial bone walls which were comprised almost entirely of bundle bone. The socket shield technique (SST) with immediate implant in esthetic zone provides a promising treatment to better manage these risks and preserve the post-extraction hard and soft tissues. This case report demonstrates the 3-year follow up of the treatment of non-restorable maxillary lateral incisor with the socket shield technique in conjunction with immediate implant placement. Keywords: Socket-shield technique, Dental implant, Ridge preservation, Immediate implant, Alveolar ridge resorption, Buccal bone, Esthetic zone.