A Review on the Application and Progress of the Socket Shield Technique in Implant Restoration

ABSTRACT The Socket Shield Technique (SST) is a method that aims to preserve the alveolar bone and reduce post-extraction bone resorption by retaining part of the tooth root; despite significant advancements in immediate implant placement and bone regeneration techniques in implant dentistry, alveolar bone resorption after tooth extraction remains a major clinical challenge, with current methods failing to prevent bone remodeling completely. This review aims to summarize the application progress of SST in implant restoration, discuss its advantages and limitations, and analyze key issues in its clinical application. By reviewing the existing literature, we conclude that SST, as a considerable potential treatment approach, the effectiveness of SST is still influenced by factors such as the three-dimensional position of the tooth slice, bone graft materials, and surgical procedures. However, it offers significant benefits, including the effective preservation of bone resorption, reduction in the need for bone augmentation procedures, high implant survival rates, and favorable clinical outcomes. SST provides a potential therapeutic paradigm for immediate implant placement, offering significant clinical value and research significance.