Abstract

The prosthetic rehabilitation of implants can prove to be challenging in cases of atraumatic extraction with immediate implants due to loss of buccal bone (both vertically and horizontally) as well as flattening of the interproximal bony scallop. This presents a difficult situation for the restoration with acceptable aesthetics especially in maxillary anterior teeth. Socket Shield Technique is a relatively novel technique which prevents the loss of buccal/facial bone with minimal surgical intervention, less duration of total treatment and an optimum aesthetic result. It aims to preserve the buccal two-third of the root in socket so that the periodontium, bundle bone and the buccal bone remains intact. The buccal bone has bilateral blood supply from the gingiva above and the periodontium below. Once a tooth is extracted, buccal bone is deprived of the blood supply from socket side and this result in the loss of some buccal bone. The root section preserves the periodontal attachment apparatus that includes periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone. The root fragment remains vital and undamaged and prevents the expected post-extraction socket remodelling and also supports the buccal/facial tissues

Description