36
Provisional filling materials and restorations
Box 36.1 Ideal properties of a provisional restorative material
Absence of toxicity
High mechanical strength
Chemical stability in the oral environment
Reliable marginal integrity
Easy handling
Easy removal
Good esthetics
Low cost
Box 36.2 Advantages of light-curing provisional restorative materials
Fast cure and high curing depth
Good adhesion to tooth structure
Low polymerization shrinkage
Minimal marginal gap formation
Low water sorption
Elasticity
Absence of eugenol
Removable in one piece
Absence of stickiness to instruments
Often available in two or more shades
Acrylic resin | Bis-Acrylic composite | |
---|---|---|
Polymerization shrinkage (linear %) | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Transverse strength (MPa) | 63 | 70 |
Flexural modulus (GPa) | 1.5 | 1.7 |
Provisional (temporary) restorative materials are used for interim sealing of prepared cavities. Provisional restorations are used to maintain esthetics (in the anterior region), to ensure functionality in both anterior and posterior teeth, and to provide protection for preparations as well as close (seal) coronal access openings after endodontic therapy to prevent re-infection before final restoration delivery. The clinical requirements of these provisional materials are indicated in Box 36.1, although no material satisfies all criteria.