Management of Complications in Socket-Shield Technique: A Case Report and Literature Review

ABSTRACT The socket-shield technique (SST) has been proven to successfully preserve buccal bone volume and prevent gingival recession following tooth extraction. With the rapid development of this technique and the increasing number of clinical cases, its complications are becoming a major concern. A female patient presented for implant therapy with a fractured left maxillary canine. Clinical examination showed that this case was eligible for immediate implantation. To minimize risk and maintain the desired aesthetic result, SST was used to treat the patient. During the surgical procedure, fenestration defects of the labial bone plate were incidentally discovered and immediately managed with guided bone regeneration (GBR). In the subsequent prosthetic treatment phase, shield exposure was observed. However, this complication was successfully resolved through contouring of the exposed shield. Post-operative follow-up examinations demonstrated implant stability with optimal aesthetic outcomes. The objective of this article is to report the intraoperative management strategy implemented for a patient who developed significant complications during SST surgery, as well as the clinical management approach in the postoperative period when the patient presented with shield exposure. Following the effective clinical management described above, follow-up observations revealed a favorable clinical outcome.