Guided residual root preparation for socket-shield procedures: A clinical report.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Implantology

Background:

• Tooth extraction in the esthetic zone often leads to hard and soft tissue loss.
• The socket-shield technique can preserve bone and soft tissue but presents challenges in shield preparation and implant positioning.
• These challenges can increase surgical complexity, time, and complication rates, limiting its adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a digital protocol for precise and efficient socket-shield preparation.
• To demonstrate accurate implant placement using surgical guides within the socket-shield technique.
• To address the limitations of the traditional socket-shield technique.

Main Methods:

• Development of a digital workflow for socket-shield preparation.
• Utilizing computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for surgical guide fabrication.
• Integration of surgical guides for precise implant placement during the socket-shield procedure.

Main Results:

• The digital protocol facilitates accurate and rapid preparation of the socket shield.
• Surgical guides ensure precise control over implant positioning.
• The described method aims to streamline the procedure and potentially reduce complications.

Conclusions:

• A digital protocol can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the socket-shield technique.
• This approach offers a solution for overcoming the technical difficulties associated with the socket-shield method.
• Digital planning and guided surgery can improve outcomes for esthetic zone tooth extractions and immediate implant placement.