齒槽在拔牙後一年內約有40～60％的骨喪失，其中2／3的量會發生在前三個月。尤其在前牙區，頰側骨於拔牙後多有大量吸收塌陷，對美觀有相當大的影響。齒槽保存術目的乃減少骨吸收，維持齒槽豐隆度以利日後美觀功能上的重建。單顆植體立即性復對植體周圍軟組織有正向的作用。在置放永久復物前，植牙手術後隨即製作的臨時復物可創造出近似自然牙牙齦形態的軟組織外形，而其重點乃足夠之植體初期穩定度與適當之萌出外形，待植體周圍骨整合完成即可完成最終復物以恢復美觀與功能。

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.