The Application Of Socket Shield Technique In The Aesthetic Zone

After tooth extraction, ridge dimensional changes are inevitable, leading to unfavorable and irreversible shrinkage, particularly in aesthetic areas. Socket shield technique mitigates vestibular volume loss by preserving a root fragment attached to the periodontal ligament, which helps maintain the bundle bone. Animal studies show that retaining such fragments significantly reduces post-extraction volume loss. A 38-year-old female presented with a fractured crown on tooth #23. Clinical examination revealed a residual root with a subgingival fracture and no inflammation. CBCT demonstrated a subosseous root fracture (6.7 mm), leaving only 5.6 mm of intact intra-alveolar root length, a thin labial bone wall (0.9 mm), and apical bone loss. The patient had a thin gingival biotype and a 5.2 mm contact point-to-crest distance. To preserve labial bone and soft tissue aesthetics, the socket shield technique was selected for immediate implant placement. The socket shield technique demonstrates significant versatility through its adaptable design parameters, allowing clinicians to tailor treatment according to specific anatomical and prosthetic requirements. But it requires exacting precision in both root fragment preparation and implant placement. Meticulous contouring of the tooth fragment is essential to avoid complications, particularly given the documented risks of osseointegration failure and shield displacement associated with direct implant-to-shield contact. The socket shield technique offers certain advantages in preserving the contour of labial soft and hard tissues and enhancing aesthetic restoration outcomes.