Robot-assisted immediate implant placement with the socket shield technique in the esthetic zone: A prospective 10-patient series.

J Prosthet Dent 2026

Wu J, Lin B, Yang S, Xu S, Li S

Abstract

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The socket shield technique (SST) poses a challenge in terms of precise 3-dimensional axial alignment for implant placement in the esthetic zone. PURPOSE: The purpose of this case series was to assess the clinical, radiographic, and esthetic outcomes of robot-assisted immediate implant placement (IIP) combined with the SST. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a hopeless anterior tooth underwent robot-assisted IIP combined with the SST. The deviations of the implant position were evaluated immediately postoperatively. At the last follow-up visit (6 to 14 months), bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, marginal bone loss (MBL), pink and white esthetic score (PES and WES), and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Ten patients (6 women and 4 men, 21-53 years old) with 10 implants placed at the maxillary central incisor sites were included. The mean (95% confidence interval) global coronal deviation, apical deviation, and angular deviation of robot-assisted surgery were 0.7 (0.45, 0.99) mm, 0.79 (0.53, 1.05) mm, and 1.20 (0.88, 1.51) degrees, respectively. The mean ±standard deviation MBL was -0.06 ±0.26 mm. Esthetic evaluation yielded a median PES of 13 and a median WES of 9. Patients reported high overall satisfaction (mean VAS>80%). No intra-operative complications, implant failures, or postoperative issues were observed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted IIP with the SST demonstrated favorable outcomes in implant placement accuracy, labial bone preservation, esthetic results, and patient satisfaction. However, more robust clinical evidence is required.

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