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ORAL SURGERY

Fig 26: Final screw retained zirconia restoration Fig 27: Final screw retained zirconia restoration Fig 28: Final screw retained zirconia restoration

with SS and immediate implant placement.
The case demonstrates the success with SS in preserving the implant-supracrestal
complex. It showcases that stable tissue levels and aesthetic harmony is achieved without
the need for biomaterials—all in a single surgical procedure. This technique leverages
the intrinsic regenerative potential of the socket, making it the gold standard in tissue
preservation, especially for thin gingival phenotypes and adjacent implant cases, where
conventional approaches fall short.

CONCLUSION
When executed with precision, the Socket Shield technique safeguards the labial bone,
preserving the biological peri-implant tissues to deliver exceptional aesthetic outcomes.
As a technique that harnesses nature’s own healing potential, it remains the ultimate
solution for long-term implant success. n

Acknowledgements:
Danesh Vazifdar @ Adaro Dental lab, Mumbai; for the excellence in ceramic artistry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fig 29: Final screw retained zirconia restoration Dr. Ali Tunkiwala is a distinguished
prosthodontist and implantologist with
over 28 years of clinical experience. A
Once the implant is in place, a screw-retained provisional graduate of Nair Hospital Dental College
restoration should be fabricated. The subgingival contour (BDS, 1996), he went on to complete
must feature an exaggerated concavity to support the implant- his Master’s in Prosthetic Dentistry from
supracrestal complex, optimizing the tissue adaptation. Mumbai University in 1998. He is an
Accredited Member of the American
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and holds both Fellowship
DISCUSSION and Diplomate status with the International Congress of
Despite its proven efficacy, the Socket Shield technique Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and the Indian Society of Oral
has faced resistance over the past decade, primarily due to Implantologists (ISOI). Dr. Tunkiwala is the author and editor of
its technique sensitivity. However, every major procedure the pioneering textbook Partial Extraction Therapy in Implant
in implant dentistry—whether GBR, sinus grafting, or Dentistry, and has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed
freehand implant placement—requires skill and precision. journals, including a chapter in Graftless Solutions in Implant
Mastery of SS follows the same principle: rigorous training Dentistry. He serves on the editorial boards of several dental
and adherence to established guidelines are non-negotiable periodicals and is deeply involved in education, as a faculty at
for success. Impart Education and Chief mentor of the One-Year Fellowship
Program in Full Mouth Rehabilitation at DY Patil University,
The most frequent pitfalls arise from deviating from Navi Mumbai. He maintains a referral-based private practice in
protocol or utilizing improper armamentarium. This article Santacruz (West), Mumbai, with a focus on implants, aesthetic
outlines the cardinal rules for ensuring predictable outcomes dentistry, and full mouth rehabilitation.

ARTICLE CITATION
Tunkiwala, Ali (2025). Partial extraction therapy: The ultimate tissue preservation technique. Dental Practice, 21(2), 12-16
16 Dental Practice I March-April 2025 I Vol 21 No 2