Indirect implant-supported fixed provisional restoration in the esthetic zone: fabrication technique and treatment workflow

Treatment objectives of an implant-supported fixed provisional restoration include shaping/preservation of the gingival soft tissue contour, functional and esthetic substitution of the missing dentition during postsurgical healing, and definitive prosthesis fabrication stages. Fixed provisional restoration can also serve as an esthetic and functional blueprint in the fabrication of the definitive restoration. Despite its common use and important indications, limited information is available on the various aspects of the provisional fabrication and treatment. This article presents a production technique and treatment workflow of a laboratory-fabricated, screw-retained fixed provisional restoration. Provisional restoration is fabricated using layering technique and internal stain characterization. The soft tissue profile of the working cast is modified according to the coronal contour of the diagnostic wax-up. Upon delivery, the provisional contour is reevaluated and modified as necessary. The developed emergence profile of the provisional restoration is transferred to the master cast via customized impression copings. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laboratory-fabricated implant-supported provisional restorations allow the esthetic and functional substitution of the missing dentition and the shaping of the soft tissue profile, and can act as a blueprint in the fabrication of definitive restorations.