Scutan and PMMA temporary crowns

Scutan (chairside-prepared) and PMMA (dental technician made) temporary crowns

#1 Scutan (chairside-prepared) treatment: pros and cons

When a fix denture is being made (either a crown or a bridge), teeth are prepared for the crowns during the very first visit. This is called preparation or polishing. The dentist takes a precision imprint of the prepared tooth stump which later receives the crown. On the basis of this imprint, the dental technician can make the final denture: the crown or t- if it’s necessary to have a more extensive restoration - the bridge. 

Depending on the number of crowns and their material, the final prosthesis can be done in 5-7 days. Meanwhile, the tooth stumps can’t be left uncovered since they would be vulnerable and become extremely sensitive. Thus, a temporary denture is always made at the chairside.

This is called the temporary crown which has several advantages:

• Most importantly, it protects the polished tooth stump from hot, cold or any chemical stimuli. This sensitivity develops one the tooth is prepared.
  
• The temporary crown is a placeholder as well - it prevents the stumps from possible displacing (while chewing). This would create serious problems during the installation of the denture since stretching might be necessary which would risk the integrity of the prosthesis. (e.g.: The ceramic cover might flake off.).
  
• It’s quick and inexpensive to make.
  
• The material is even suitable for ‘modelling’ as tooth samples could be made of it. This way, the patient can imagine the final restoration better as far as its shape and size are concerned.
  

Unfortunately, the Scutan temporary restoration has certain drawbacks as well:

• Given the nature of the material, the crown breaks relatively easily (However, it’s still good to use).
  
• As it’s a weaker material than the PMMA, it’s recommended to wear it for a maximum of 2-3 weeks.
  
• It tends to discolour.
  
• It’s less aesthetic and accurate than the dental technician-made PMMA.
  
• Typically, it’s fixed with a weaker adhesive so that the dentist can remove it easily approx. one week after (when the final crown or bridge is ready). Therefore it happens that the temporary restoration falls off from the polished tooth stump. Thus, it’s possible that we need to re-glue it which can be regarded as a normal thing. 
  

#2 PMMA (dental technician-made) temporary crowns

It’s the dental technician who prepares dental restorations (crowns or bridges) that are designed to be long-lasting. Based on the impressions taken by the dentist, the dental technician prepares the long-lasting temporary crown in 3-4 days. The prosthesis is sculpted by a milling machine.

In what cases is this type of denture needed?

• In case of a longer series of treatments, it may be justified to remove and re-glue the temporary crown several times. Therapies like root canal can only be carried out in several stages. During this time, temporary crowns must function properly.
  
• In case of jaw joint problems - namely if the patient’s bite is inadequate and needs correction, the long-lasting PMMA is done for the period before the delivery of the final denture. Thus, we can check if there’s an improvement in the patient’s condition and if his/her bite became more comfortable.
  
• PMMA crowns are realistic in both shape and size. Perfect diagnostic crowns can be made of this material. This makes possible for the patient to see exactly the shape, the length an the size of his/her final teeth. Patients have the chance to request changes in the final denture if they want.
  
• If gums are bleeding heavily during the preparation (e.g.: because of gingivitis) we can’t make good quality imprints. In such a case, we need to wait until the inflammation is gone in order to take high quality imprints for the final denture. Healing time might take several weeks - during this period, it’s only the long-lasting temporary crown that can be used.
  

What are the disadvantages of the temporary PMMA restoration?

• The preparation takes several days.
  
• It’s a more costly solution than the Scutan procedure. However, it’s made of a better, more enduring and stronger material.
  

• Due to the stronger adhesive it’s possible that the crown can’t be removed without any damage. In such cases, a new piece should be done for the current treatment. On the other hand, Scutan could also be appropriate at this point.

Book an appointment and get your dental care at DENTOP!

Our doctors who have this branch of science:

Dr. Eszter KÖRHEGYI Conservative dentistry and prosthodontics specialist

Dr. Ábel TÓTH Dentist

Dr. Anna RANGICS Dentist

Dr. Gergely Hriczó-Koperdak Conservative dentistry and prosthodontics specialist