Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of a modified socket shield technique (SST) and the conventional immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with one hopeless upper incisor were consecutively enrolled in this study. All patients were scheduled for immediate implant placement. Twelve patients underwent a modified SST (experimental group) whereas the others underwent conventional procedures (control group). Radiographic and clinical data were obtained preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. The success rate of the implants, the pink esthetic score (PES) and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 21.0 software. RESULTS: One year after operation, the success rate of the implants was 100% in both groups. The PES and patient satisfaction of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The buccal bone plate resorbed less in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The modified SST is advantageous over the conventional immediate implant placement in terms of buccal bone and soft tissue maintenance.