About 40-60% ridge resorption occurs in the first year after tooth extraction, in which two thirds of the resorption happens in the first 3 months. In the anterior region of the dentition, considerable buccal plate resorption following tooth extraction may compromise the esthetics. The aims of socket preservation are reducing bone resorption, maintaining ridge contours, and facilitating esthetic as well as functional reconstruction. Immediate restoration of single implants may demonstrate a positive effect on peri-implant soft tissue. Placement of a temporary restoration following implant surgery can create soft tissue contours that resemble normal gingival topography before placement of the definitive prosthesis. The focal points for immediate restoration are sufficient primary implant stability and proper emergence profile. The definitive implant prosthesis can fulfill the esthetic and functional rehabilitation after an adequate period of osseointegration. (J. Family Dent. 6(4): 32-39, 2012)