Post Title

Successful rehabilitation of the anterior maxilla remains a challenge, primarily due to post-extraction ridge collapse, which can lead to gingival recession and an unesthetic appearance. The socket shield technique presents a viable alternative for immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the survival, complication rates, and marginal bone loss around body-shift implants placed in fresh extraction sockets with the socket shield technique to replace maxillary incisors. After socket shield preparation, fourteen hopeless incisors were extracted and immediately replaced by a body-shift implant (Inverta®, Southern Implants, Pty., Irene, RSA) at baseline. Patients were followed up for 12-39 months (mean 18.1 ± 8.2 months). The average age was 52.3 ± 16.9 years, and the survival rate was 100%. One socket shield presented minimal internal exposure that was successfully treated with a connective tissue graft. Mean PES score was 12.9 ± 1.2. Mean interproximal marginal bone loss was -0.4 ± 0.5 mm. Body-shift dental implants can be a promising alternative for immediate tooth replacement combined with the socket shield technique. The superior esthetic outcomes remained stable, suggesting that the extra space created by the narrow cervical portion of the implant is beneficial for preserving the alveolar bone and limiting internal shield exposure.