Application of the root shield technique in immediate dental implantation (literature review)

An analysis of literature data on the clinical effectiveness of the root shield technique in immediate dental implantation in an aesthetically significant area was conducted. The treatment approach, during which only part of the root is removed (partial extraction), includes the use of the “socket shield” and “pontic shield” techniques. To preserve the alveolar ridge and soft tissues of the oral cavity, the root submergence technique is also used, which has recently been increasingly used in performing dental implantation (DI). This method is usually used when performing implantation in the anterior region of the upper jaw in order to improve the aesthetic result of the treatment. Indications for the use of the Socket Shield technique are: the presence of vertical fractures; a tooth that cannot be restored and requires extraction; immediate implant placement; preservation of the alveolar ridge, in particular to prevent bucco-palatal collapse and to preserve the papillae or soft tissue around the implant. The main criteria for the effectiveness of the Socket Shield technique are implant survival and complication rate. Complications include severe pain, swelling, shield or implant displacement, peri-implantitis, loss of marginal bone tissue and shield resorption. Most studies have shown that the use of the shield method allows achieving a better aesthetic result compared to other methods, since it results in less pronounced alveolar bone resorption. Conclusions. Overall, the use of the shield technique is a promising method of DI, as it leads to higher DI efficacy rates: better bone volume preservation than with standard approaches, better aesthetic treatment outcome rates, and higher patient satisfaction with the performed DI. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain strong evidence to recommend the use of this technique compared to traditional DI methods with immediate implantation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.