Comparing Dual-Zone Immediate Implant Placement and Socket Shield Technique for Ridge Width Changes in the Maxilla: A Prospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the facial-palatal ridge dimensional changes that occurred at 8–10 months following flapless dual-zone (DZ) immediate implant placement and socket-shield (SS) immediate placement in the maxilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 patients who received 20 implants were included, with 10 implants (MegaGen AnyRidge) placed for each treatment, DZ and SS. Cast models were made at 8–10 months after implant placement to assess the dimensional ridge changes by measuring the facial-palatal ridge width on implant sites (T) at six designated points starting from the gingival margin (0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7) and comparing it with the corresponding measurement on the contralateral tooth site (C). RESULTS: All 20 implants demonstrated successful osseointegration at 8–10 months follow-up (survival rate 100%). Two out of ten cases of SS group presented with minor manageable complications of external shield exposure. DZ group showed an average of 0.3 mm facial-palatal ridge width reduction, while SS group revealed a mean gain in ridge width of approximately 0.2 mm at 8–10 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: When comparing between two treatments, there was a significant difference in ridge width change at 8–10 months following implant placement, indicating better preservation of the ridge contour for socket shield technique.