Critical appraisal: immediate dentin sealing for indirect bonded restorations

For laboratory-fabricated, resin-bonded indirect restorations, clinicians usually prepare the tooth, make an impression, and cement a provisional restoration at an initial appointment. A few weeks later, after the definitive restoration has been tried in and adjusted, it is bonded with some combination of adhesive and resin cement. Another approach-most commonly called "immediate dentin sealing"-has been suggested. This technique involves placement of a resin coating on the dentin immediately after preparation. Several advantages have been cited for immediate dentin sealing. Prominent among those are a reduction in tooth sensitivity during the provisional phase and the potential for better bonding of the restoration to dentin. This Critical Appraisal reviews several in vitro research studies on the immediate dentin sealing technique.