Root Ring Technique for Immediate Implant Placement: A Novel Horizontal Socket Shield Concept

Tooth extraction causes vertical and horizontal alveolar bone loss, often compromising implant placement and esthetics. Preservation techniques such as socket-shield and root membrane have been proposed. The Root Ring technique, a modification of horizontal socket-shield therapy, seeks to maintain peri-implant bone and soft tissue by retaining a circumferential root segment. A 50-year-old patient with a fractured maxillary central incisor underwent immediate implant placement with the Root Ring technique. After atraumatic extraction using piezoelectric instrumentation, a 3-mm cervical root ring was prepared and stabilized around a tapered implant. No grafting materials were used. Three-month follow-up showed stable vertical bone height (15-16 mm) and buccal thickness of 2 mm without bone loss. The Root Ring technique demonstrates promise for ridge preservation and esthetic outcomes, although larger studies are needed.