Prosthetic management of implants placed with the socket-shield technique

Partial extraction therapies, such as the socket-shield technique, use the patient's tooth tissues and periodontium to preserve the alveolar ridge and limit postextraction resorption. Internal exposure through the overlying peri-implant mucosa has been reported as the most common complication, suggesting that the preparation technique requires modification. This technique report describes the prosthetic management of the socket-shield technique, emphasizing preparation of the socket-shield to the bone crest, and the creation of an S-shape prosthetic emergence profile to support maximal soft tissue infill.