Socket-shield technique for immediate implant placement with immediate and delayed loading method: Two case reports

Immediate implant placement is becoming a routine procedure in esthetic dentistry. The need for placing the implant immediately post extraction helps reduce the alveolar ridge resorption and also maintain good soft-tissue contours post placing the implant and during rehabilitation. However, a cause of concern occurs when the buccal cortical plate is thin, especially in the upper anterior region. This poses a direct implication in the maintenance of primary stability and buccal contour of both hard and soft tissues, thus compromising esthetics. The socket-shield technique (SST) is a recent advancement in placing immediate implant post extraction. The maintenance of the buccal root section helps retain both the compromised buccal cortical plate and soft-tissue contour, thus providing a better esthetic profile. In view of the same, two patients were provided immediate implants with SST; one with immediate loading of implant and other with delayed loading method, and postoperative radiographic analysis was carried out to evaluate bone density around the implant.