Temporary prostheses following implant surgery: A narrative review

This narrative review synthesizes evidence on temporary prostheses following implant surgery, integrating surgical timing (immediate/early vs. delayed placement and loading), primary stability and bone quality determinants, and restorative choices (prosthesis types, abutments, materials, digital fabrication including 3D printing) by searching PubMed and Web of Science (2000-2024) using MeSH and free-text terms related to implants, loading protocols, and provisionalization; five pre-2000 landmark papers provided historical context. Ninety-six human studies (clinical trials, cohorts, systematic reviews;≥6-month follow-up) met inclusion criteria. In selected cases, immediate loading achieved implant survival comparable to delayed loading, with small differences in early marginal bone loss (≈0.1-0.3 mm at 1 year). Papilla preservation relied primarily on adjacent bone morphology and 3D implant positioning. Provisional restorations critically shaped the emergence profile and peri-implant soft tissues. Digital workflows offered efficient, clinically acceptable provisionals but required investment, training, and guide accuracy. Evidence favors protocol-driven case selection and occlusal control for optimal outcomes.