Socket Shield Technique and Guided Bone Regeneration

For the patients in the shield group, shields were prepared with the Root Membrane Kit. After the palatal part was removed, the buccal fragment was prepared at the crest level, and an internal bevel chamfer was formed on the fragment. Implants were placed 3-4 mm apical to the gingival margin of the adjacent teeth. Healing caps were placed, and the periphery of the caps was covered with an absorbable gelatin sponge.

For the patients in the regeneration group, teeth were extracted atraumatically, implants were placed 3-4 mm to the gingival margin, and the space between the implant and buccal bone was filled with anorganic bovine bone graft at the time of implant placement. The graft particles were covered by a pericardium membrane. The membrane was fixed to the bone with titanium pins.