Socket Shield Technique in Implant Dentistry: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Survival, Aesthetic Outcomes, and Complications.

The socket shield technique (SST) is an innovative approach in implant dentistry designed to preserve the buccal bone plate and soft tissue aesthetics during implant placement. By retaining a portion of the tooth root, the SST aims to reduce alveolar ridge resorption and improve peri-implant tissue stability. This systematic review evaluates the survival outcomes and limitations of the SST through an analysis of longitudinal studies published between January 2019 and December 2024. A comprehensive search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 448 articles, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. Several key outcomes were assessed, including implant survival rates, Pink Esthetic Scores, marginal bone loss, and complications, such as shield exposure and peri-implantitis. The findings demonstrate that the SST reduces bone resorption and enhances aesthetic outcomes, particularly in the anterior region. However, challenges such as technical sensitivity, shield mobility, and limited long-term data limit its applicability in clinical settings. Additionally, variations in methodology among studies underscore the need for further high-quality research. This review highlights the importance of meticulous surgical execution, patient selection, and standardized protocols to optimize SST outcomes. Future directions should prioritize long-term evaluations, advanced digital workflows, and innovative biomaterials to address current limitations and enhance the clinical utility of the SST in implant dentistry.