Periapical Lesion on an Implant after Socket Shield Technique: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• The socket shield technique is a method for dental implant placement.
• This technique aims to preserve the facial bone wall of the tooth socket.
• Potential complications require thorough investigation.

Observation:

• A 47-year-old male developed a radiolucent lesion around a dental implant placed with the socket shield technique.
• The lesion was located in the apical region of the implant.
• A secondary surgical procedure was necessary to address the lesion.

Findings:

• The lesion was surgically removed (curettage).
• The resulting defect was filled with a xenogeneic bone graft.
• Follow-up at 20 months post-implant and 10 months post-surgery showed no recurrence.
• Radiographic evidence indicated new bone formation in the treated area.

Implications:

• This case report suggests that while the socket shield technique can be effective, complications like apical radiolucencies can occur.
• Surgical management combined with bone grafting appears to be a viable treatment option for such lesions.
• Further randomized clinical studies are needed to better understand the complications and indications for the socket shield technique in dental implantology.