Socket Shield Technique- An Armour & Boon to Implant Dentistry

Healing of extraction sockets undergoes a re-modelling process which leads to horizontal and vertical bone loss. Alteration of ridge contour may compromise the restoration- oriented three dimensional positioning of the implant. Various methods of guided bone regeneration have been described to retain the original dimensions of the bone after extraction. In-lieu of surgical augmentation to correct a ridge defect, the socket-shield technique offers a promising solution. Socket shield technique has demonstrated the potential in preventing buccal bone from resorption in animal and clinical studies and may serve as a feasible treatment along with being cost effective and minimally invasive option in areas with high aesthetic concern.