Protemp™ II Temporary Crown and Bridge Material – Catalyst 3M™ ESPE™ 46430

FAQs

• What is Protemp™ Crown Temporization Material?

  Protemp Crown is a preformed, light-cured, tooth colored, methacrylate-based composite crown designed for temporary restoration of posterior teeth prepared for full crowns. In the uncured stage, Protemp Crown’s self-supporting, malleable consistency makes it easy and fast to place, trim, fit, and customize.

• What sizes and shapes of Protemp Crown will be available?

  There are (9) Protemp Crown sizes: Molars, Bicuspids (Premolar), Cuspids (Canine) Upper Small Molar, Upper Large Molar, Lower Small Molar, Lower Large Molar, Upper Small Bicuspid (Premolar), Upper Large Bicuspid (Premolar), Lower Bicuspid (Premolar), Universal Small Cuspid (Canine) Universal Large Cuspid (Canine).

• Will Protemp Crowns be available for anterior dentition?

  Protemp Crowns for anterior teeth would complement the product line and introduction into the market place will be considered at a later date. Use Protemp™ 3 Garant™ Temporization Material for your temporary anterior restorations, as well as bridges.

• Can Protemp Crowns be used in both right and left dentition?

  Yes, the anatomy of Protemp Crown is symmetrical to allow for placement in either the right or left dentition. In addition, the crowns are malleable allowing for individual customizing and shaping. Subsequently, this reduces the number of crown shapes and sizes that need to be stocked in the dental office.

• What shade is Protemp Crown?

  Protemp Crown is offered in one universal shade.

• What is the reason for the clear film on the crown?

  The film protects the crown during the manufacturing process and should be removed prior to placement.

• What size Protemp Crown is recommended if the mesial-distal width measurement falls between sizes?

  The dental professional will determine the appropriate crown size. If the mesial-distal measurement falls between sizes the following should be taken into consideration: mesial-distal width, amount of existing tooth structure, diameter of the preparation. Generally, it is acceptable to use a smaller size crown, because Protemp Crown is malleable, it will easily adapt to the space.

• Is the 3M ESPE Crown Size Tool sterilizable?

  The Crown Size Tool is for single use and not sterilizable. After use, properly dispose of the used Crown Size Tool.

• Are additional 3M ESPE Crown Size Tools available?

  Yes, additional Crown Size Tools are available by contacting 3M ESPE. Also, a caliper can be used to measure the mesial-distal width.

  One of the features of Protemp Crown is the reduced number of sizes. After handling and placing a few crowns, dental professionals will become comfortable choosing the correct size.

• What light output is needed to fully cure Protemp Crowns?

  A dental curing light with a wavelength range 420-500 nm and a minimum light intensity of 400 mW/cm2 is recommended.

  When using a standard intensity curing light, e.g. halogen, tack cure 2-3 seconds per surface (buccal, lingual and occlusal) and final cure outside the mouth for 60 seconds. For high intensity curing lights follow the manufacture recommendation for curing composites, e.g. Freelight 2, tack cure 1-2 seconds per surface (buccal, lingual and occlusal) and final cure outside the mouth for 30 seconds.

  During final cure, care must be taken to rotate the Protemp Crown to ensure total cure on all surfaces. Over curing will not damage the Protemp Crown.

• What is the most effective way to trim a Protemp Crown?

  Using crown and bridge scissors, trim the Protemp Crown excess by following the height of the gingival contour. Avoid trimming an equal length around the entire circumference of the crown.

• What dental instruments are needed when adapting a Protemp Crown to the preparation?

  There are no special dental instruments needed. Many dentists found that their gloved fingers work best during initial Protemp Crown placement. A composite placement instrument works well for adapting the marginal, interproximal and occlusal surfaces.

• Should I wear special gloves while working with Protemp Crown?

  No, Protemp Crown was tested and is compatible with several common brands of gloves. Gloves commonly used in dentistry do not offer protection from exposure to uncured methacrylate resins such as bis-GMA. After placement, adaptation and light curing the crown, it is recommended that gloves be removed, hands washed and re-glove as needed.

• Can Protemp Crowns be lined?

  Yes, Protemp Crown can be lined using Protemp 3 Garant Temporization Material. However, evaluation results show that lining is not necessary. If lining is desired, the following steps are suggested:

  • Roughen the inner surface of the cured Protemp Crown with a rotary instrument.
  • Remove debris with alcohol and dry with a stream of air.
  • Dispense 3M ESPE Protemp 3 Garant into the Protemp Crown.
  • Fill the crown approximately 1/2 full (do not over fill).
  • Seat crown into place and gently guide patient into occlusion.
  • Remove crown from prepared tooth at 1:35 min:sec after dispensing.
  • Trim excess material at the margins and continue finishing and polishing.
  • Reseat crown on the prepared tooth to verify proper fit.
  • Cement crown with temporary cement. Refer to the cementation information.
• How do I obtain a snug marginal fit?

  Protemp Crown provides for a snug marginal fit. After buccal adaptation and tack cure, apply light finger pressure to the buccal margin, have patient gently open, continue to hold crown in place during lingual adaptation and tack cure. This will provide for a snug margin and prevent the crown from dislodging.

• Does Protemp Crown stretch if I need a little extra length?

  Protemp Crown is malleable and can be slightly stretched, be careful to select the appropriate size crown and avoid the need to overstretch the material. Over stretching can reduce the strength of the Protemp Crown.

• How strong is Protemp Crown after tack cure and during removal?

  When removing the tack cured Protemp Crown from the preparation remember that the crown is semi-cured and has potential for distortion. Care should be taken to protect the crown during removal. After crown removal, you may want to consider placing the crown back onto the preparation to check the fit once more. Then remove for final cure outside the mouth.

• Will Protemp Crown bond to a preparation that contains existing composite or core build-up?

  Yes, Protemp Crown is a composite based material and may bond to composite or core build-up materials. Use petroleum jelly, mineral oil or water as a separating medium to prevent bonding to each other.

• What should I do to prevent a Protemp Crown from locking onto the preparation?

  A Protemp Crown snugly fits the preparation, to prevent locking on avoid undercuts and block out where necessary; use petroleum jelly, mineral oil or water as a separating medium and/or limit tack curing to 2-3 seconds.

• What can I do to make the Protemp Crown more malleable?

  Gently rolling the Protemp Crown between your fingers will soften the crown and make it more malleable and eliminates the flare at the margin. The crown will easily stretch as it is placed onto the tooth preparation.

• Do operatory lights affect the stability of Protemp Crown?

  After removing Protemp Crown from the crown case it will remain stable under operatory light for several minutes. If the Protemp Crown case is opened and the crown is exposed to light for an extended period of time (i.e. 10 minutes or more), polymerization will begin and will affect handling properties.

• Can Protemp Crown be repaired or customized?

  Protemp Crown can be easily customized and/or repaired. See Instructions for Use for detailed information, Sub-section: Custom Characterization and Repair.

• Does Protemp Crown require a specific temporary cement?

  Non-eugenol based cements are preferred. Eugenol containing temporary cements may impair the setting or bonding surface of the permanent cement when seating the final restoration.

• How can I achieve a high polish?

  After finishing, Protemp Crown should be free from contamination