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Although there was a conflict between the studies relevant to the number of functional tooth units needed to maintain adequate oral function, it was revealed that chewing ability was closely related to the number and distribution of teeth remaining. Treatment plan should focus on the preservation of the strategic parts of the dental arch that are critical for adequate oral function. Long-term prospective studies, comprising well-defined criteria, clinical variables, methods and utilising comprehensive questionnaires, should be preferred to obtain a clearer picture on the association between masticatory ability and functional tooth units.

Provisional restorations are designed in order to protect oral structures and promote function and esthetics for a limited period of time, after which they are to be replaced by a definite prosthesis. They play a particular role in diagnostic procedures and continued evaluation of the treatment plan, as they should resemble the form and function of the definite rehabilitation that they precede. Therefore, interim treatment should satisfy the criteria of marginal adaptation, strength, and longevity. In complicated treatment plans that intend to last for extended periods of time, the function of provisional prostheses involves the possibility of relining, modification, or repair. These adjustments raise considerations regarding the strength of the resultant bond. Chemical composition of the base and repair material, surface characteristics of fracture parts, and time elapsed since the initial set of the rehabilitation should be considered in the decision of the appropriate repair material and technique. Proper pretreatment of the provisional components' surfaces is essential to ensure bonding as well.The purpose of this article is to illustrate the management of provisional restorations' deficiencies. This article highlights possible failures of custom-fabricated provisional restorations, describes methods to prevent their occurrence, and discusses clinical techniques for their management. Finally, the proper combination of materials and surface preparation to achieve the optimum treatment outcomes are presented. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEProvisional restorations' failures and other deficiencies are encountered by clinicians on a daily basis. Adequate laboratory techniques and material combinations presented herein may contribute to their efficient and predictable modifications and repairs. (J Esthet Restor Dent 24:26-39, 2012) The interim treatment focuses on protecting pulpal and periodontal health, promoting guided tissue healing in order to achieve an acceptable emergence profile, evaluating hygiene procedures, preventing migration of the abutments, providing adequate occlusal scheme, and evaluating maxillomandibular relationships. 2-6 From the clinician's standpoint, provisional restorations play a key role in the diagnostic procedures and continued evaluation of the treatment plan, as they must resemble

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An evidence‐based (EB) approach has been a significant driver in reforming healthcare over the past two decades. This change has extended across a broad range of health professions, including oral healthcare. A key element in achieving an EB approach to oral healthcare is educating our practitioners, both current and future. This involves providing opportunities integrated within simulated and actual clinical settings for practitioners to learn and apply the principles and processes of evidence‐based oral healthcare (EBOHC). Therefore, the focus of this discussion will be on ways in which EBOHC and associated research activities can be implemented into curricula, with the aim of improving patient care. This paper will initially define the scope of EBOHC and research, what these involve, why they are important, and issues that we need to manage when implementing EBOHC. This will be followed by a discussion of factors that enable successful implementation of EBOHC and research into curricula. The paper concludes with suggestions on the future of EBOHC and research in curricula. Key recommendations related to curricula include strengthening of the culture of a scientific approach to education and oral healthcare provision; complete integration of EBOHC into the curriculum at all levels; and faculty development to implement EBOHC based on their needs and evidence of effective approaches. Key recommendations to support implementation and maintenance of EBOHC include recognition and funding for high‐quality systematic reviews and development of associated methodologies relevant for global environments; building global capacity of EBOHC researchers; research into improving translation of effective interventions into education and healthcare practice, including patient‐reported outcomes, safety and harms, understanding and incorporation of patient values into EB decision‐making, economic evaluation research specific to oral healthcare and effective methods for changing practitioner (faculty) behaviours; and extend access to synthesized research in ‘user friendly’ formats and languages tailored to meet users’ needs. Realizing these recommendations may help to improve access to effective healthcare as a basic human right.