An enchiridion on the socket shield technique

Abstract

Socket shield technique is one of the recent innovative techniques of immediate implant placement. The importance of this technique is maintenance of both hard and soft tissues, especially in esthetically critical areas like maxillary anterior region. It involves preservation of a portion of root followed by immediate placement of implant. It has various advantages over other ridge preservation procedures like conventional immediate implant placement, socket preservation methods, and ridge augmentation procedures. This review briefly summarizes the classification, surgical technique, variations, and potential complications of this technique.