Immediate-loading implant treatment using the socket shield technique: A case report

Abstract

Tooth extraction prior to implant treatment often causes gingival recession and alveolar bone loss, resulting in esthetic problems at the time of prosthesis placement. Various soft and hard tissue augmentation techniques have been used to solve this problem, and it is a well-known fact that these techniques have often produced desirable outcomes. However, soft and hard tissue augmentation often involves significant surgical invasion, prolonged treatment time, and increased number of surgeries, all of which are undesirable process for the patient. In this study, we report on the use of the socket shield technique for immediate loading of implants, which is minimally invasive, shortens the treatment time, requires fewer surgeries, prevents postoperative gingival recession and alveolar bone loss, and achieves esthetic results.