Temporary dental restorations, also known as provisional restorations, are short-term devices used during the transition phase of complex dental procedures. They are placed after a tooth or area has been prepared for a permanent solution, such as a crown, bridge, implant, or traditional denture. These fixtures provide patients with basic function, including the ability to eat and speak, while maintaining the correct spacing and alignment of surrounding teeth until the final restoration is ready.
Common Types of Temporary Restorations
A common type of temporary fixture is the provisional crown or bridge, used when a natural tooth has been reduced in size or multiple teeth need replacement. These fixed restorations are fabricated from materials like acrylic or composite resin and are held in place with temporary cement. The provisional restoration shields the underlying, prepared tooth structure, protecting it from sensitivity, decay, or movement until the final restoration is bonded.
Another solution is the acrylic partial denture, known as a flipper, used to replace one or a few missing teeth. Flippers are removable, lightweight appliances that primarily serve an aesthetic function. They are less stable than fixed options because they rest on the gum tissue and use small clasps to hold onto adjacent natural teeth.
Immediate dentures are provided immediately following the extraction of multiple teeth or all teeth. This allows the patient to maintain the ability to eat and speak without a gap in their smile. However, as the underlying gum and bone tissue heal and shrink following surgery, the fit of the denture quickly degrades, requiring frequent adjustments or relines.
Practical Eating Limitations
While temporary teeth allow for basic function, they are not designed for the heavy forces associated with a normal diet and require specific chewing modifications. Limitations exist because temporary restorations are made from less durable materials, such as acrylic resin, and are secured with a weaker, non-permanent adhesive. Chewing sticky foods, like caramel, taffy, or gum, poses a high risk of pulling the temporary restoration off the underlying tooth or abutment.
Hard and crunchy items must also be avoided, as the force required to break them can chip, crack, or fracture the temporary material. Restricted foods include:
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Ice
- Popcorn kernels
Patients are advised to cut food into small, manageable pieces to reduce the necessary biting and chewing force.
To minimize stress on a fixed provisional crown or bridge, it is recommended to chew primarily on the opposite side of the mouth. For patients with removable solutions like flippers or immediate dentures, the goal is to distribute pressure evenly across the entire arch to prevent rocking or displacement. Hot or cold foods and liquids should also be avoided because temporary materials may not insulate the prepared tooth as effectively as a permanent crown, leading to increased temperature sensitivity.
Maintenance and Lifespan of Temporary Teeth
The lifespan of temporary restorations is brief, typically lasting only a few weeks to a few months while the permanent solution is being custom-fabricated. Since they are not intended for long-term use, gentle care is necessary to ensure they remain intact until the next scheduled appointment. Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the area, avoiding aggressive scrubbing near the gum line.
Flossing around provisional crowns and bridges requires a modified technique to prevent dislodging the restoration; the floss threader should be slid out from the side rather than pulled up over the top. Removable appliances, such as flippers and dentures, must be taken out for cleaning. Use a specific denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser instead of regular toothpaste.
Temporary restorations are a placeholder and not a permanent substitute, meaning they will wear down or become compromised over time. Failure to keep the scheduled appointment for the final restoration increases the risk of complications, including tooth shifting, decay beneath a loose device, or gum tissue irritation. Adhering to the recommended care routine ensures the provisional tooth fulfills its protective function during the healing and fabrication period.