DANB General Chairside Practice Test

In what procedure is a temporary restorative material placed when there's a delay in the final restoration?

1. Root canal treatment

2. Provisional coverage

3. Crown preparation

4. Extraction surgery

The correct answer is: Provisional coverage

Provisional coverage is the procedure where a temporary restorative material is placed when there is a delay in completing a final restoration. It serves to protect the prepared tooth and maintain aesthetics and function while waiting for the definitive restoration, such as a crown or bridge, to be fabricated. This temporary material can help prevent sensitivity, provide stability, and protect adjacent teeth from shifting, which is crucial if the permanent prosthesis cannot be placed immediately. In root canal treatment, while temporary materials may indeed be used, the focus is specifically on sealing the end of the root and doesn't typically involve provisional coverage as understood in the context of dental restorations. Crown preparation refers to the process of shaping a tooth to receive a crown, and while temporary crowns are often placed afterward, the procedure itself isn't predominantly about the temporary material. Extraction surgery involves the removal of teeth and does not involve the placement of restorative materials. Thus, the use of provisional coverage is specifically tailored for situations requiring temporary restorations until a final solution is available.