The Socket Shield Technique: Stability of the Buccal Peri-implant Bone after Partial Root Removal - A Prospective Case Series of 20 patients, with 18 Months Follow-up.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to collect data on implant survival, bone volume maintenance, and complications associated with the socket shield technique.

Background data: The socket shield technique was introduced in 2010. Since then, several systematic reviews have been published, showing good clinical outcomes. The behaviour of the buccal bone plate is so far not completely understood.

Methods: The study involved the placement of 23 implants using the socket shield technique in 20 patients. AstraTech EV implants were used, and no bone substitutes or connective tissue grafts were applied. Patients were monitored for 18 months, recording implant survival, volumetric bone analysis on CBCT scans, interproximal bone levels, bone sounding, pink esthetic scores, and complications. Prosthetic procedures were also described, including temporary and final restorations.

Results: A 95.7% cumulative 18-month implant survival rate was obtained using the socket shield technique, with a significant but limited reduction in buccal bone thickness (BBT) after implant placement. One implant did not integrate and two shields were partially exposed. The mean pink esthetic score, 1 year after loading was 12.93 ± 1.22.

Conclusion: The study suggests that the socket shield technique can result in limited reduction of the buccal bone volume, with a high implant survival rate. Re-entry studies are recommended to investigate the causes of bone resorption.