CompletedNot Applicable

Socket Shield Technique for Immediate and Delayed Implant Placement: A 6-Year Clinical Tria

Egypt25 participantsStarted 2019-02-01

Plain-language summary

This study investigates the long-term performance of the Socket Shield Technique (SST) for preserving the bone and soft tissue around dental implants when used with two different timing protocols: immediate versus delayed implant placement. SST is a surgical technique where a thin portion of the tooth root (the buccal shield) is intentionally retained to support the facial bone and gum tissues after tooth extraction. While SST is known to enhance esthetics and preserve bone in the short term, little evidence exists on its long-term effectiveness in different clinical scenarios. This randomized clinical trial enrolled patients who needed single-tooth implants in the esthetic zone. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Immediate SST group: the implant was placed at the same time the socket shield was prepared. Delayed SST group: implant placement was performed six months after socket shield preparation. Over a 6-year follow-up period, both groups were evaluated for: Changes in ridge width and bone height using CBCT imaging. Esthetic outcomes using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES). Patient satisfaction through a structured questionnaire. The goal is to determine whether SST offers reliable long-term outcomes in either immediate or delayed implant placement scenarios, supporting its broader clinical use.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients requiring single-tooth replacement in the anterior maxilla (esthetic zone) * Age between 18-65 years * Good systemic health * Demonstrated good oral hygiene * Presence of an intact buccal plate * Class I or II sagittal root position * Sufficient apical bone volume and quality for implant placement * Willingness and ability to comply with study protocol and follow-up schedule * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of acute infection at the extraction site (e.g., abscess) * Vertical root fracture or advanced periodontitis with buccal plate loss * Uncontrolled systemic disease (e.g., diabetes, osteoporosis) * Parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism, clenching)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Horizontal Ridge Width Change at 1, 2, 4, and 6 mm Apical to the Implant Platform

Timeframe: Immediately after implant placement (baseline), 1 year, and 6 years post-placement

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07171866

SponsorSoaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-07-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Alveolar Ridge Preservation trials