Temporary dental restorations, also known as provisional restorations, refer to the temporary prosthetic devices or materials used to replace missing teeth or repair damaged teeth in dentistry. These restorations are typically used as a temporary solution until a permanent dental restoration can be performed.
Temporary dental restorations are commonly used in various dental procedures, such as dental implant placement, bridge or crown preparation, or as a temporary fix for a broken or dislodged tooth. These restorations serve multiple purposes, including protecting exposed tooth structures, maintaining oral function and aesthetics, promoting healing, and serving as a trial phase to assess the fit, shape, and appearance of the final restoration.
These temporary restorations are usually made from acrylic-based materials, such as bisacryl or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which are easily moldable and bondable to the natural tooth structure. They are often custom-made by dental professionals to ensure a proper fit and function.
Temporary dental restorations are designed to be easily removable to allow for dental impressions or adjustments during the treatment process. They are not intended for long-term use and may not possess the same durability as permanent restorations. However, they are crucial in maintaining tooth alignment, preserving oral health, and providing patient comfort during the intervals between dental visits and the final placement of permanent restorations.
