CUNov Clinical Update Naval Dental School National Naval Dental Center Bethesda, Maryland Vol. USN Introduction One of the most important aspects of dentistry is to provide a predictable outcome to any oral rehabilitation, and the use of the provisional restoration is a critical phase in the treatment of the dental prosthetic patient. The design for a provisional restoration begins with a thorough and complete gathering of diagnostic information and includes a determination of the final result desired by the patient and practitioner. Each component of fixed prosthetic dentistry involves possible insult to the pulpal tissue.
Marginal perfection is critical for successful restorations.
During the interim between the preparation stage and the placement of the final prosthesis, provisional restorations must promote soft tissue healing. With the restoration of implants and with complex periodontally involved cases, provisional restorations are worn for extended periods of time. Under these circumstances, fracture resistance and ease of placement become the most important factors. When anterior units are involved, color stability and stain resistance are important. In all cases, operator convenience and ease of manipulation remain important considerations.