In vitro comparison of peak polymerization temperatures of 5 provisional restoration resins.

BACKGROUND The heat produced by provisional restoration materials may injure the dental pulp. This study measured and compared peak temperatures during polymerization of 5 materials used in the fabrication of provisional restorations. METHODS The tested materials were 2 self-curing resins (Integrity and Protemp) and 3 dual-cure resins (Iso-Temp, TCB Dual Cure and Provipont DC). A mould the size of a maxillary molar tooth was fabricated to contain 0.5 cc of resin. The temperature rise of the different materials was recorded every 10 seconds over a 10-minute period. RESULTS The rise in temperature of Integrity (peak temperature of 33.8 degrees C) and Protemp Garant (35.6 degrees C) was significantly higher than the rise in temperature of Iso-Temp (29.5 degrees C), TCB Dual Cure (28.4 degrees C) and Provipont DC (29.5 degrees C). CONCLUSION Use of the dual-cure resins in provisional restorations may reduce the risk of pulp injury.