Snjezana Pohl

Updated Protocol for Socket Shield Technique

Immediate post-extraction implant placement has garnered attention in implantology for its potential to shorten the treatment time and improve outcomes. Within this realm, the socket shield technique (SST) has emerged as a promising adjunct to conventional implant protocols, offering enhanced preservation of peri-implant tissues and improved esthetic results by retaining the buccal root segment with its periodontal ligament. The socket shield technique preserves the buccal portion of the tooth root with its periodontal ligament. By maintaining Sharpey’s fibers, which connect root cementum to socket walls, and keeping the periodontal ligament's blood supply, SST effectively mitigates post-extraction ridge loss.

Comparative clinical trials indicate superior outcomes for SST over traditional immediate placement techniques.
However, SST is considered technique-sensitive and challenging. As with all novel therapies, clinicians performing SST initially faced a higher rate of complications and failures during the early stages of adaptation. Protocol refinements have significantly reduced these complications.

The use of digital dentistry for socket shield preparation and implant placement further enhanced precision and predictability while minimizing complications.

Static guidance enables accurate root canal preparation and removal of its content, which is followed by a root section in a mesiodistal direction.

This lecture will present the updated protocol for socket shield preparation with immediate implant placement and digital tools utilization to simplify this procedure.

Snjezana Pohl has a dual degree in human and dental medicine. She is a specialist in oral surgery, a certificated EDA* specialist for periodontology and implantology, and a Dental XP expert.

She is in a private clinic, Rident, ADG, in Croatia. Designated as an assistant professor, she also lectures at the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology at the School of Dental Medicine of the University of Rijeka.

Snjezana Pohl is one of the pioneers of Partial Extraction Therapy, the author of numerous scientific papers, and an active national and international lecturer. She focuses on tissue preservation, autogenous tissue utilization, and aesthetic outcomes in implant treatment.