Dimensional Changes of the Labial Alveolar Ridge After Socket Shield Technique With Computer Guided Root Sectioning

Digital Evaluation of the Early Volumetric Changes of the Labial Alveolar Contour Following Guided Socket Shield Technique for Immediate Implant Placement: A Clinical Study

In this study, the dimensional changes of the labial alveolar ridge are digitally assessed after immediate implant placement using the socket shield technique with computer guided sectioning of the root.

Ten hopeless teeth in the esthetic zone were included. A computer guide was used to section the root, leaving the coronal 2/3 of its labial part attached to the socket. An implant was then placed.

Preoperative and Postoperative (5 months later) intraoral scans were superimposed with a digital software to assess the dimensional changes of the labial alveolar ridge. Linear changes at 1,3 and 5 mm from the gingival margin and mean linear changes in a specified Area Of Interest (AOI) were measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• medically healthy patients (ASA 1, ASA 2 categories) ,
• over 18 years old presenting with hopeless teeth due to extensive caries,
• cervical root fracture,
• vertical or oblique root fracture,
• multiple failed endodontic treatments,
• root resorption.

Exclusion Criteria:

• medically compromised patients (the ASA 3, ASA 4 and ASA5 categories)
• vertical root fracture involving the labial aspect of the root that will be retained,
• horizontal fracture of the root that is too far apically located
• presence of acute (active) periapical infection
• lack of sufficient bone to obtain implant primary stability apical and/or palatal to the extraction socket,
• ankylosed tooth which is positioned too apically in relation to the adjacent teeth,
• type 3 extraction sockets according to Elian and Tarnow extraction sockets classification