The Importance of the Provisional Restoration in Michigan Dental Implants

The important role of provisional restorations is often underestimated. That may be because they are left until the end of an appointment when time is short or because they generally do not need to last long. However, not only can good provisional restorations help to produce better final restorations, they can also save a lot of time and expense at subsequent appointments. Time spent in their construction is more than repaid in time saved doing additional procedures, adjustments, and remakes later on.

As you know, provisional or temporary restorations may be used for dental implants Michigan, fixed bridges, partials, or even dentures. They may be fixed or removable and are made of a variety of materials including acrylic, nylon, other flexible materials, or cast metal. Commonly, provisional restorations may take the form of a removable temporary partial or "flipper" that provides interim aesthetics and prevents pressure on a ssurgical site. The decision to use a provisional restoration and which type to use depends on the patient's dental needs and preferences.

The use of provisional restorations in implant therapy is an important clinical step and should be carefully planned prior to the surgical phase. Well-conceived provisional restorations protect the surgical site from occlusal forces during the healing process and can be used to shape the soft tissue during the maturation phase. These advantages are particularly helpful in the management of the aesthetic zone. Indeed, the provisional restoration provides both the prototype and the blueprint for the final prosthesis.

Various techniques are available to achieve optimal function and aesthetics with provisional restorations. Working together, both the restorative dentist and the periodontist should determine the proper techniques that fulfills the specific requirement of each case. Proper management will contribute to satisfying patients' expectations and the success of osseointegration.

Provisional prostheses should:

• Restore and enhance aesthetics and phonetics.




• protect the underlying gingival tissues.




• not exert direct occlusal load on the underlying implants or bone-grafted sites.




• Determine the future position, support, shape, and shade of the final prosthesis.

A well-designed provisional restoration is predicated upon four factors: the ultimate restorative plan, the number and location of the implants, the bone quality, and the needs and desires of the patient. The most common forms of temporary restorations are fixed bridges supported by retained natural teeth, resin-bonded bridges, and removable interim prostheses.

The treatment objective is to protect the healing surgical site, to provide aesthetics and to prevent micro-movement of the implant and grafted site.

The objective of an implant-supported prosthesis is to provide a functional and cosmetically acceptable form of tooth replacement. An interim provisional restoration is critical during the integration phase of the implant.

A well-conceived appliance, produced by the restorative dentist and laboratory and designed in partnership with the periodontist, provides protection of the surgical site and continued function without compromising aesthetics.

The surgeons at Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates take special care when deciding which type of provisional restoration is appropriate for their patients. Using state-of-the-art treatment planning software, the implant doctor is able to communicate with the patient's general dentist and the dental laboratory at all phases of the implant process. The software enables the three professionals to work together to design the best provisional restoration available for the implant patient. If you'd like to know more about any phase of the dental implants Michigan process, visit Dr. Nemeth and Associates on the web at http://www.drnemeth.com/ or call (248) 357-3100 with questions. You can also submit your questions via email to jrn@drnemeth.com.