What does “Provisional restoration” mean?
A provisional restoration protects a tooth and temporarily supports its shape and function before the final restoration is placed. It is used as an interim restoration during treatment.
Why cover it temporarily?
After a tooth has been prepared for a crown, a temporary prosthesis may be used while the final restoration is fabricated. It covers exposed teeth and serves to supplement the appearance and chewing function during treatment.
How do I manage it while in use?
Be careful of hard or sticky foods as they can cause temporary teeth to fall out or break. If the temporary tooth touches only one place first when chewing or the temporary tooth moves, have it checked by the dentist who installed it.
How is it different from the final prosthesis?
Temporary crowns often use resin or acrylic-based materials and serve to protect the tooth during the final restoration period. Materials such as ceramic and metal are selected for the final prosthesis according to the condition of the teeth, so the color and durability of the temporary teeth are not considered the same as the final result.
At the final fitting appointment, the provisional restoration is removed and the shape, color, and fit of the new restoration are checked again. In aesthetic restorations, including ZERONATE, the appearance at the provisional stage is distinguished from what is assessed at the final try-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my temporary tooth falls out but it doesn’t hurt, can I wait?
Even if there is no pain, the tooth being treated is exposed, so contact the dentist who installed it and receive guidance on reattachment and timing of treatment.
Will the color of the temporary teeth remain the same as the final color?
Provisional and final restorations have different materials and fabrication processes. The color and shape of the final prosthesis are checked separately during the try-in stage.
Questions to help you understand provisional restorations
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Until which stage of treatment is the provisional restoration used?
Explanation and evidenceConfirm the role of temporary restorations in the schedule for fabrication and placement of the final prosthesis.
Cleveland Clinic · Dental Crowns - Care after treatment
Who do I contact if something falls out or breaks?
Explanation and evidenceBecause the tooth needs protection during this stage of treatment, follow your dentist’s instructions for returning to the clinic for a check.
Cleveland Clinic · Dental Crowns
