COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC FRACTURE IN MAXILLARY CENTRAL INCISORS USING SOCKET SHIELD TECHNIQUE AND IMMEDIATE IMPLANT PLACEMENT: A CASE REPORT

Background: Traumatic dental injuries in the maxillary anterior region can significantly compromise aesthetics and function. Preservation of the alveolar ridge following extraction is essential for successful implant rehabilitation, particularly in the aesthetic zone. The socket shield technique (SST) preserves the buccal root fragment and periodontal ligament, maintaining bundle bone and soft-tissue contours. When combined with immediate implant placement and bone grafting, SST enhances the predictability of aesthetic outcomes. Case DescriptionL: This case report describes the management of a 21-year-old male patient with traumatic fractures of the maxillary central incisors. Tooth 11 was treated with root canal therapy and restored with a full-coverage crown. Tooth 21, deemed non-restorable, was treated by extracting the palatal root fragment while retaining the buccal root segment as a socket shield. A 4.2 × 11.5 mm implant was placed immediately in a palatal position, and the jumping gap was filled with xenograft. The implant was left unloaded during healing. After four months, successful osseointegration and dome-shaped bone retention around the coronal implant region were confirmed radiographically. Cement-retained zirconia crowns were fabricated for both teeth, achieving favourable aesthetic and functional results. Conclusion: The socket shield technique combined with immediate implant placement and bone grafting provides a predictable strategy for preserving ridge contour and soft-tissue aesthetics in the anterior maxilla. This biologically driven approach, along with appropriate prosthetic planning, ensures stable functional and aesthetic outcomes, even in young patients with traumatic dental injuries.