Objective: To investigate the effect of the socket-shield technique (SST) concurrent with immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) in the aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth. Methods: A case of maxillary anterior tooth stumps with a thin labial bone wall was treated with SST for preservation of labial soft and hard tissue fullness, combined with an immediate implant placement and immediate provisional crown for restoring the shape of the tooth and gingival molding Results: Immediate implant placement and provisionalization restored the morphology and function of the affected tooth in the shortest possible time. The patient's labial soft and hard tissue contours in the affected tooth area were well preserved in the 18-month follow-up after the application of the SST, which presented a better aesthetic result. The literature review indicates that the indications for SST are unrestorable maxillary anterior teeth, whose dental, periodontal and periapical tissues are healthy and intact. In the esthetic zone, root shielding is effective in maintaining the soft and hard tissue contour on the labial side of the implant. However, there is no consensus on the technical details of SST, such as the ideal coronal height and thickness of the shield, and the management of the gap between the shield and the implant. Thus, more clinical studies and histologic evidence are needed to provide a reference for clinical decision-making. In addition, digital technology can improve the accuracy of implant placement and shield preparation. Conclusion The correct application of SST combined with IIPP in the esthetic zone can ensure esthetic results. However, more high-quality evidence-based medical evidence is needed for its long-term efficacy, and indications should be strictly controlled during clinical application.

Objective: To explore an accurate method to obtain an intraoral model of patients with specific limited mouth opening (microstomia) due to systemic scleroderma. Methods: This study followed medical ethics, and informed consent has been obtained from patients. A case of Ken's Type I mandibular dentition defect scleroderma with limited mouth opening was addressed with digital technology as the leading method combined with the traditional impression method of segmental impression. Individual trays were made based on the patient's left and right mandibular dentition, and segmented molds were obtained. Simultaneously, intraoral scanning was performed to obtain the morphological data of both the soft and hard tissues of the upper and lower mandibles. After each part of the model was obtained, the mandibular model was scanned and digitally aligned to form the final denture model, and the final removable partial denture was designed and made by computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. At the same time, combined with the literature, the diagnosis and treatment of removable partial denture in patients with limited mouth opening were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The denture was well retained and achieved a good repair effect. The patients expressed satisfaction with the mastication efficiency and other functions of the denture. The findings of the literature review show that the integration of digital technology with the traditional impression method, along with computer fitting, can accurately obtain the patient's oral model and facilitate successful follow-up repairs. However, when the anterior mandibular dentition of the patient is absent, the margin of error is increased in this procedure, which deserves further exploration. Conclusion Utilizing digital technology as the leading method, combined with the traditional impression method of segmental impression, for the repair of dental defects in patients with limited mouth opening, has proven to be effective. Thus, patients report a positive medical experience with high satisfaction, indicating that this approach is worthy of clinical promotion.