Evaluation of alveolar process resorption after tooth extraction using the socket shield technique without immediate installation of implants: a randomised controlled clinical trial

Our aim was to evaluate resorption of the alveolar ridge using the socket shield technique (SST) without immediate placement of dental implants. This randomised controlled clinical trial included 27 patients: 14 maxillary non-molar teeth were partially extracted using the SST (test group) and 13 were extracted using a minimally traumatic extraction approach (control group). Alterations in height and thickness of the alveolar ridge were evaluated by cone beam computed tomograms taken immediately after, and 100 days after, surgery. Minor resorption was observed in the height of the buccal and palatal plates, without intergroup difference (p ≥ 0.10). The test group showed significantly better preservation of the buccal-to-palatal crest dimension (p ≤ 0.05). In the control group, preservation of buccal plate thickness was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05), but intragroup vertical resorption of the buccal plate and reduction in the buccal-to-palatal crest distance were greater (p ≤ 0.05). The SST without the immediate placement of implants showed greater preservation of the buccal-to-palatal crest dimension and lower preservation of buccal wall thickness compared with minimally traumatic extraction. In addition, it provided superior maintenance of the baseline buccal wall height. The modified SST is a promising approach, but factors that interfere with the results should be investigated.