Provisional/Temporary Restoration

Provisional Restoration

Fixed or removal prosthesis designed to enhanced stabilization and function for a limited period of time after which is to be replaced by a definitive prosthesis

Biologic Requirement

Pulp protection, Maintain periodontal health, Positional stability and Prevention of fracture

Pulp protection

During tooth preparation the dentinal tubules are exposed, thus the provisional restoration should protect the prepared tooth from oral environment, thereby preventing sensitivity and irritation to pulp

Maintaining periodontal health

It should have good marginal fit, proper contour and smooth surface to prevent accumulation of plaque, facilitate easy plaque removal and maintain periodontal health

Positional stability

It should a comfortable, stable, and functional occlusal relationship by maintaining inter-arch and intra-arch stability thereby preventing tooth migration or super-eruption

Prevention of fracture

It should protect the prepared tooth surface in which margin preparation is close to the occlusal surface of tooth and could be damaged during chewing

Mechanical Requirement

Function, Loss of Retention and Removal of Reuse

Functional

It should possess good cmpressive and flexural strength. The strength of material used for fabricating provisional restoration is always much lower than that of the definitive restoration material

Loss of Retention

It should have close adaptation to the tooth surface to prevent displacement and recementation, which will increase patients visits

Removal of Reuse

May need to be removed and recemented often. If they are well fabricated with adequate thickness and cemented with weak cement, it can be removed without breakage

Esthetics Requirement

It should match the shape, size, colour and texture of the restored tooth especially in the anterior region

Preformed restoration

Commercially available prefabricated crown

Custom made restoration

Most versatile, can be used for any clinical situation but requires more time to make

Polycarbonate and Cellulose

Materials used in preformed restoration

Acrylics and Bisacryl composites

Materials used in Custom made restoration

Short Term Use

Used when prosthesis is to be used for maximum of two weeks and is indicated in fixed partial dentures

Long Term Use

Maybe used for months and indicated for Healing after periodontal surgery

Direct Technique fabrication

Restorations are fabricated intraorally

Indirect Technique fabrication

Restorations are fabricated extra-orally on a cast

Direct-indirect Technique fabrication

Restorations are fabricated using a combination of intraoral and extraoral procedures

Limitations of Provisional Restoration

Lack of adequate strength, marginal adaptation and tissue irritation