Socket-shield Technique and immediate implant placement for ridge preservation in the aesthetic region: a 1-year clinical and tomographic follow-up

Objective: To describe the clinical, radiographic and tomographic aspects, as well as complications, success, aesthetic and functional results of an implant placed using the “socket shield” technique. Case Details: Represents a 46-year-old patient, with increased mobility of the crown in the bucco-palatal direction, with indication for extraction replaced by immediate implant. Atraumatic extraction, socket preservation technique and immediate implant placement were performed. The socket-shield technique was designed for placing implants to protect the oral bone and achieve adequate aesthetics. The buccal fragment of the tooth was kept fixed and the implant was placed in contact with the tooth fragment. Cone Bean computed tomography showed bone formation in the buccal aspect 1 year later, and demonstrated stability of the peri-implant bone tissue and replacement of the root remnant by bone. The clinical appearance demonstrated maintenance of peri-implant soft tissues and good aesthetics without gingival retraction. Final considerations: One-year follow-up shows adequate healing and healthy peri-implant tissue, suggesting that the socket-shield technique with immediate implant placement can be an excellent alternative for preserving the vestibular cortex and implant placement, especially in the aesthetic area.