The socket-shield technique and immediate implant placement

Healing of extraction socket leads to the dimensional changes which will affect the placement of the implant and its emergence profile. Atraumatic extraction, socket preservation technique, and immediate implant placement decrease the alveolar bone resorption by maintaining the postextraction socket. Hürzeler et al. introduced socket-shield technique by keeping a buccal fragment of the tooth to prevent the buccal cortical bone from resorption. This case report represents a 40-year-old male patient with grossly decayed maxillary left lateral incisor indicated for extraction replaced with an immediate implant. While examining cone-beam computed tomography, thin buccal cortical plate was noticed which may get fracture during extraction. Socket-shield technique was designed for implant placement to protect buccal bone and to get the proper esthetic form. Two millimeters buccal fragment of the tooth was kept attached and the implant was placed in contact with tooth fragment. Three-month follow-up shows proper healing, and healthy peri-implant tissue shows that socket-shield technique with immediate implant placement will be a good alternative to preserve buccal cortical plate and implant placement, especially in the esthetic area.