The socket-shield technique in orthodontics: a method for alveolar ridge preservation

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Periodontology

Background:

• Orthodontic extraction of first premolars can lead to alveolar bone loss.
• Preserving alveolar bone is crucial for long-term dental health and aesthetics.
• The Socket-Shield Technique is a novel approach for bone preservation during orthodontic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the Socket-Shield Technique for preserving alveolar bone in adult first premolars during orthodontic extraction treatment.
• To compare bone resorption and tooth movement rates between the Socket-Shield Technique and conventional extraction methods.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 26 patients undergoing orthodontic extraction treatment.
• Paired first premolar teeth were allocated to either the Socket-Shield Technique (test group) or conventional extraction (control group).
• Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) was used to assess bone resorption at multiple levels, and tooth movement rate was monitored.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower alveolar bone height and width resorption were observed in the Socket-Shield Technique group compared to the control group at 1mm and 3mm from the alveolar crest.
• No significant differences in bone resorption were found at 5mm above the reference plane.
• The rate of orthodontic tooth movement was comparable between both groups.

Conclusions:

• The Socket-Shield Technique demonstrates a positive clinical effect in preserving the alveolar bone of the first premolar in adults, particularly those with thin buccal bone.
• This technique does not negatively impact the speed of orthodontic tooth movement during extraction treatment.