Objectives: To evaluate the socket shield technique and compare the survival, stability, esthetic outcome and complication rates of immediate implants in the esthetic zone placed using this technique with the traditional guided bone regeneration technique.
Patients and Methods: 20 Patients were enrolled in this study, they were randomized into two equal groups, after receiving a post extraction implant in the esthetic zone; Group I patients were managed with guided bone regeneration technique, while group II patients were treated with socket shied technique. Functional and esthetic outcomes of the treatment in term of implant survival and marginal bone level were evaluated.
Results: Implant survival rate after 1 year was 100% in both groups. Implants inserted with the socket shield technique demonstrated better values of marginal bone level and were statistically significant.
Conclusions: Socket shield technique is a highly promising addition to dental implantlogy that seems to be a feasible surgical option characterized by better esthetic outcomes when compared to guided bone regeneration technique.