Provisionals

Question 1

What are the functions of provisionals?

Answer 1

1. Protection
   - prevent exposure of dentine & pulp to mechanical, bacterial & thermal insults
2. Preservation
   - masticatory function
   - cosmetics of teeth
   - position of gingival margin
3. Diagnostics
   - aesthetics: tooth morpho & tooth position
   - functionality: vertical dimension, occlusal scheme, phonetics, masticatory function
   - fit: tendency to fracture/dislodge, path of insertion, clearance of restoration
4. Therapeutics
   - facilitate patient adaptation
   - immediate placement of missing tooth
   - caries control, access for oral hygiene
   - stabilise mobile teeth
   - facilitate tooth movement procedures

Question 2

Provisionals are there to protect from?

Answer 2

• protect dentine and pulp
• from mechanical, bacterial and thermal insults (in oral environment)
• udw pulp irritation

Question 3

Provisionals are there to preserve..

Answer 3

1. Masticatory function
2. Cosmetics of teeth
3. Gingival margins

Question 4

How do provisionals function as a diagnostic aid?

Answer 4

Fit
- tendency to fracture/dislodge
- marginal fit (doesnt impinge on gingiva, which can cause ischemia-> inflammation-> necrosis)
- path of insertion

Function
- occlusal vertical dimension
- masticatory function
- phonetics
- resist functional & removal forces (retention form)
- occlusal scheme

Aesthetics
- colour & translucency
- texture
- morpho & positioning

If provi is good, can just use same design for final crown!

Question 5

How can provisionals help with therapy of patient?

Answer 5

• facilitate patient adaptation
• immediate replacement of missing teeth
• stabilise mobile teeth, facilitate tooth movement procedures
• fast-track caries control, access for oral hygiene