Socket-shield technique vs traditional immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the difference between bone atrophy, pink esthetic score, and long-term results in socket shield technique compared to traditional immediate implantation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The literature review was carried out according to PRISMA principles and the database search was performed using the following keywords: "Socket shield technique ", "Root membrane ", "Pink esthetic score ", and "Immediate dental implant loading ". This review involved studies with humans that were published in English. The studies were published between 2018 and 2025, and the socket shield technique was compared with traditional immediate implantation.

RESULTS

Out of 517 records, 5 randomized controlled trials were selected, reporting 169 patients who received 184 implants (92 socket-shield technique, 92 immediate implant). Meta-analysis of the Pink Esthetic Score outcomes showed that implants placed using the socket-shield technique (intervention group) achieved significantly higher pink esthetic scores than those implants placed immediately (pooled mean difference = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.32-2.26; p=0.0095), demonstrating a statistically significant effect in favor of the intervention group. Our systematic review demonstrates that socket-shield technique provides superior preservation of marginal bone compared with traditional immediate implantation protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

The socket shield technique allows implant rehabilitation characterized by better aesthetic outcomes and minimal bone loss compared to traditional immediate implantation.