Provisional restorations in fixed

prosthodontics

Charles J. Goodacre, DDS, MSD

Professor of Restorative Dentistry
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
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 Provisional Restorations
•  They are restorations that provide interim protection,
mastication, esthetics, and positional stability while the
definitive restoration is being fabricated
•  FUNCTIONS / REQUIREMENTS
1) Protection / Preservation; (prepared tooth from
damage; pulp from irritation; cheeks / tongue / lips
from trauma; periodontal health by good fit, contour, & surface
smoothness)
2) Mastication; (allow some chewing of food)
3) Positional stability; (tooth; gingiva; lips / cheeks)
4) Esthetics for visible teeth;
5) Provide diagnostic information
 Provisional Restoration Resins
•  Methyl methacrylate (Jet)
- Reasonably hard; sets somewhat
rapidly; reasonable color stability
•  Ethyl methacrylate (Trim)
- Not as hard as methyl methacrylate;
slower set and more working
time; susceptible to discoloration
•  Composite resin (Protemp; Integrity)
- Hardest; rapid polymerization; best
color stability
 Provisional Restoration Resins
•  Methyl methacrylate (Jet)
- Reasonably hard; sets somewhat rapidly;
reasonable color stability
•  Ethyl methacrylate (Trim)
- Not as hard as methyl methacrylate; slower set and
more working time; susceptible to discoloration
•  Composite resin (Protemp; Integrity)
- Hardest; rapid polymerization; best color
stability
 Types of Provisional Restorations
•  Prefabricated
1) Metal shell / relined metal shell
2) Relined polycarbonate shell
•  Custom-fabricated
1) Template & unfilled resin
2) Template & composite resin
3) Laboratory produced shell
4) Cast metal (long-term service needed)
• “Direct on tooth” versus “Indirect on cast”
 Direct versus Indirect
•  Direct is faster for routine provisional
restorations
•  Indirect can save time with multiple units
or complex fixed partial dentures
•  Indirect provisionals can be fabricated in
advance of the tooth preparation
appointment
 Direct Technique:
Types of Templates
•  Putty index made on cast or intraorally using a tray
 Direct Technique:
Types of Templates
•  Putty index made on cast or intraorally using a tray
•  Clear plastic vacuum-formed template
 Direct Technique:
Types of Templates
•  Putty index made on cast or intraorally using a tray
•  Clear plastic vacuum-formed template
•  Repair of crown / prosthesis that was removed
DIRECT TECHNIQUES
Relined Aluminum Shells
Relined Polycarbonate
Crowns
Putty Template
Putty Template
 TEMP TABS® – TRUE BLUE
•  Do a Google search “temp tabs dental”
•  Heat at 135 degrees Fahrenheit
•  Mold over teeth & then blow air for 10 seconds
Vacuum-Formed Template
Crown Removal & Repair
 Products Used

•  Carbide bur
Brasseler XTREMECUT 330MZ

•  Bonding resin

•  Color modifier

•  Resin glaze PermaSeal by Ultradent

Crown Removal & Repair
Provisional Restoration for RCT
with Prefabricated P&C
Provisional Restoration for RCT while
Custom Cast P&C is being Fabricated
 INDIRECT TECHNIQUES
•  Prepare tooth / teeth and make impression
•  Laboratory then fabricates provisional
restoration(s) while patient waits
OR
•  Laboratory fabricates shell provisional
restoration before the patient comes for the
tooth preparation appointment
Shell Fabrication
 Minimal tooth preparations completed on cast;
Less reduction than will be achieved clinically

Space between shell

and minimal tooth
preparations will be
filled with resin
Video of Shell Fabricated by Laboratory
in Advance of Tooth Preparation
 Provisional Cements
•  They are typically zinc oxide powder or zinc oxide paste mixed with
eugenol liquid
•  Noneugenol formulations are available that do not soften resin (as in
provisional crown). They use carboxylic acids in place of eugenol
•  The liquid can be ethoxybenzoic acid, known as ZOEBA, making it
stronger
•  TempBond Clear is a translucent cement with Triclosan (an antibacterial &
antifungal agent)
 Thank You For Your
Kind Attention

Charles J. Goodacre, DDS, MSD

Professor of Restorative Dentistry
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
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