Provisional restoration - Types, functions, and limitations

Provisional Restoration also referred to as Temporary Restoration, Interim Crown, Fixed Crown or Transitional Restoration, plays an important role in a successful Prosthodontic therapy. The word 'Provisional’ itself stands for temporary or for the time being. It means the function is for limited time period. It is a temporary filling of a prepared tooth until final restoration can be performed.

Types

A variety of provisional materials are available. Provisional restorations can be formed intraorally termed as direct restoration, indirect restoration using the patient's cast or can also be direct-indirect (combined).

The type may depend upon whether restoration has to be formed in place of crowns or veneers. In this case, the Restoration may only need to be worn for a few days or few weeks, whereas dental implant and full-mouth reconstruction treatments will require the patient to wear it for several months, while the area heals and the implants fuses with surrounding bone.

Materials Used

Materials that can be used comprise of pre-formed and customizable pre-formed. These can further be divided into plastic and metal. For customizable provisional restoration, materials are available which can be self, light, or heat polymerized. For example, Temporary bridge resin (acrylics), bis-acryl composite, urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA). Metal alloys category include tun-silver, aluminum, stainless steel, cobalt chromium or nickel chromium are used for casting.

Functions

• Biological:

• In pulp protection against trauma experienced during tooth preparation.

• In the maintenance of Periodontal health during provisional restoration. It prevents adverse effects of pulpal which may lead to root canal treatment.

• Occlusal compatibility is achieved as it establishes proper contact with connecting and opposite teeth.

• Helps maintain tooth position by avoiding supra eruption and horizontal movement of teeth.

• Prevention of enamel fracture of the adjacent teeth or vertically opposite teeth which may otherwise occur while chewing.

• Preventing tooth sensitivity.

• Reserving space for definitive restoration.

• Mechanical:

• Help Resist against functional loads as some resin filling with lesser strength can be prone to fracture. In these cases, higher strength restoration material must be used.

• Provided resistance against removal forces.

• Maintain intermittent alignment without getting displaced.

• Facilitating normal eating and speaking.

• Aesthetical:

• Color compatibility with adjacent teeth is easier in this procedure that gives a more natural and appealing look to the patient's smile.

• Color stability is an important factor in the long run. Acrylic restorations help in achieving the same as they have the quality to resist stains.

• Translucency and texture can be achieved through provisional restoration which is an essential attribute.

• Easily contourable which means it can be easily modified/shaped until both the patient and the doctor are satisfied with the look.

Limitations

• Lack of inherent strength- they fracture in long span bridges.

• Color instability- this is an issue when the restoration is placed for too long a duration.

• Poor marginal adaptation - this deficiency is difficult to improve upon. Provisional restorations infer adequate margins at it's best.

• Detectable odor emission - this can't be helped as the resins are porous due to which food particles get stuck and emit a bad odor.

• Poor wear properties- usage of heavy occlusal forces may cause teeth to drift.

• Inadequate bonding characteristics - in some situations the cement does not bond well with the reins due to incompatibility between the two.for example, Eugenol cement does not bond with methyl methacrylate as expected.

Recommendation

Every step of the process of fabricating provisional restorations is an important one. Though it's temporary, in the patient's mind, it's a preview of the restoration that will follow. The better the quality of the temporary, the more confidence your patient will have. Therefore it's advised you consult your local dentist.

We recommend visiting Dr. Ross Quartano a well-known Covington Dentist for any dental restorations, temporary or permanent. Dr. Ross Quartano is a Certified and Registered Dentist and a Registered Dental Hygienist, with years of experience in the dental profession as a clinical hygienist, educator, consultant, and speaker. He is the best dental professional Covington, LA available for consultation and treatments.

His practice is equipped with state of the art diagnostic tools and equipment. So that he is always at the top of all advancement in procedure and techniques, Dr. Ross continued to further his education.

He leads a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated towards the enhancement of their client's smile. They are always available to answer all patient queries and concerns pre and post-treatment. Educating the patient about all available options in as much as detail as possible.

Numerous patients have benefitted from his experience and expertise and have had satisfactory results. His dedication towards helping his patients achieve optimal oral health has earned him a formidable reputation as the most recommended dentist in Covington?. Schedule an appointment with him your now!

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