Provisionalization
Pronunciation: pruh-vizh-uh-nuh-lih-ZAY-shun
The fabrication and placement of a temporary restoration to protect the prepared tooth and soft tissues while a definitive prosthesis is being constructed.
Full Definition
Provisionalization is a critical phase in fixed prosthodontic and implant treatment during which a temporary crown, bridge, or veneer is placed over a prepared tooth or healing abutment. It serves multiple functions: tooth protection, maintenance of occlusal space, aesthetic preview, soft-tissue conditioning, and evaluation of the planned final restoration design. Provisional restorations may be chair-side fabricated (direct) or laboratory-made (indirect). Editors should note the preferred noun 'provisionalization' (US English) versus 'provisionalisation' (British English), and distinguish provisional restorations from permanent restorations in treatment timelines.
Usage
Usage note: British English: 'provisionalisation'. Clarify whether 'temporary' means the same as 'provisional' in context — in some systems they denote different stages.
In Context
- "Provisionalization was completed at the same appointment as tooth preparation, using a PMMA shell crown." — Prosthodontic operative note
- "Extended provisionalization over six weeks allowed gingival contour maturation before final impression taking." — Implant case report