6 November 2016Cementation of the Provisional Restoration
The provisional restoration needs to be fitted on the prepared teeth with the help of cementation. For attaining a well-fitted provisional piece, minimum amount of cement should be used. If excessive cement is used, the provisional bridge or crown will fail to fit on the prepared dental area. Once the cement sets in, any extra cement should be removed from the margins of gingiva. To ensure removal of residual cement, a piece of knotted floss may also used.
Instructions for the Patient
- When the process of cementation of the provisional restoration by either a bridge or crown is complete, the patient is informed about the care of the provisional restoration.
- The importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene and the collection of plaque on the teeth is explained to the patient in detail.
- Further information about the changes in diet until the provisional restoration is replaced by a permanent restoration is given.
- Another very important point is to instruct the patient that if the provisional restoration becomes loose or detaches completely, the dental office should immediately be informed.
Steps for the application of Permanent Restoration Prosthesis
Provisional Restoration Removal
Before moving to the step of permanent cementation, the provisional restoration is removed. The dental assistant carries out this step. The prepared dental area is examined after removing the provisional restoration and any residual temporary cement is removed. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned by washing and drying.
Cementation of the Permanent Restoration
The prosthesis for the permanent restoration is now tried on the prepared tooth/teeth. If it fits snugly into place and both the dentist and the patient are happy with the appearance and the colour shade, it is time to apply the permanent cementation. The dental assistant mixes the permanent cement as instructed in the manufacturer’s directions. After mixing, the cement is applied on the surfaces of teeth adjoining the prepared teeth area on both sides. The amount of cement applied should allow proper adhesion of the prosthesis.
Excessive cement should be removed otherwise adhesion will not be adequate. At this juncture, the prosthesis is fitted into place and the patient is directed to continuously maintain the bite until proper hardening of the cement takes place. When the cement sets in completely, the dental assistant cleans and removes the residual cement from the area.