IMMEDIATE IMPLANT PLACEMENT WITH THE SOCKET SHIELD TECHNIQUE: A CASE REPORT WITH DIGITAL PLANNING AND GUIDED SURGERY

Introduction: Dental implantology has evolved significantly, incorporating advanced techniques to improve surgical precision and esthetic outcomes. The socket shield technique, combined with digital planning and guided surgery, has been proposed to minimize buccal bone resorption and enhance peri-implant tissue stability. Methods: A female patient presented with discoloration and mobility of tooth #11. Clinical and radiographic examination confirmed external replacement root resorption, requiring extraction and implant rehabilitation. Digital planning and guided surgery were employed to ensure optimal implant positioning. The socket shield technique was performed by sectioning the root and preserving its buccal portion. A Straumann BLT 3.3 × 12 mm implant was placed, followed by a connective tissue graft harvested from the palate to improve soft tissue volume. After healing, a customized zirconia abutment and a lithium disilicate crown were fabricated and cemented. Results: The patient exhibited stable soft tissue contours, preserved buccal bone integrity, and an esthetically pleasing outcome. No signs of shield exposure, inflammation, or peri-implant complications were observed during follow-up. Conclusion: The combination of the socket shield technique, digital planning, and guided surgery contributes to superior esthetic and functional results in immediate implant placement. This approach minimizes alveolar ridge resorption and optimizes long-term peri-implant tissue stability.