Shield the socket: Procedure, case report and classification.

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Periodontology
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Tooth extraction frequently results in significant alveolar bone resorption, particularly affecting the buccal plate.
• This bone loss complicates achieving satisfactory esthetic outcomes in cases requiring immediate dental implant placement.
• Traditional methods often necessitate complex hard and soft tissue reconstruction to address post-extraction bone defects.

Observation:

• The socket-shield technique (SST) involves bisecting the tooth root and preserving the buccal portion within the extraction socket.
• This preservation strategy aims to maintain the integrity of the periodontium, bundle bone, and buccal bone.
• The technique's success is influenced by the shield's precise positioning within the socket.

Findings:

• A novel classification system for the socket-shield technique is proposed, based on the shield's position.
• This classification facilitates a better understanding of the preparation design and the shield's functional role.
• It aids in optimizing shield utilization for superior esthetic results in immediate implantology.

Implications:

• The proposed classification can guide clinicians in applying the socket-shield technique more effectively.
• It offers a standardized approach to maximize the esthetic potential of immediate implant placements.
• This classification may enhance predictability and patient satisfaction in post-extraction implant procedures.