Immediate implant placement is often accompanied by tissue resorption and mucosal recession. A key factor in this context is the loss of bundle bone in the area of the buccal bone lamella after tooth extraction. To preserve the buccal bone and the periodontal ligament in the facial area, the "socket shield" technique for implant bed preparation was developed, where part of the root is retained. After the potential of the technique had been demonstrated in animal studies, it was also evaluated scientifically in clinical application for long-term complications and esthetic outcomes. According to the currently available clinical experience and scientific data, high esthetic results can be achieved with reduced invasiveness compared to conventional treatment protocols. Before a general treatment recommendation can be given, higher-level evidence in the form of prospective clinical trials with long-term follow-up must be performed. Increasingly available documentation in the literature indicates that the "socket shield" technique is a promising treatment approach for the esthetic zone. Schlagwörter: Socket shield, immediate implant, esthetic zone, buccal bone, tissue preservation