Socket shield technique for immediate implant placement after dental trauma: a case report

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Periodontology

Background:

• Anterior tooth loss often results from trauma or disease, leading to alveolar bone resorption.
• Maintaining the alveolar crest contour in the esthetic zone is a significant clinical challenge.
• Vertical and horizontal bone loss commonly occurs during socket healing, particularly on the buccal side.

Observation:

• A case study involving a 26-year-old male with traumatic crown-root fractures of anterior teeth (11, 12).
• The socket shield technique was employed for tooth 11, with the fractured tooth serving as a temporary crown.
• A 6-month healing period preceded the placement of a porcelain crown on a custom abutment.

Findings:

• The socket shield technique demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining alveolar crest contour.
• A 1-year follow-up confirmed the stability of the alveolar crest contour.
• The case highlights a successful application of the socket shield technique in a challenging esthetic zone scenario.

Implications:

• The socket shield technique offers a viable solution for preserving alveolar bone during anterior tooth replacement.
• This approach can enhance esthetic outcomes by maintaining critical bone structure.
• Further research into the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of the socket shield technique is warranted.