In what situation might a lab be responsible for creating provisional coverage?

In the context of dental procedures, the responsibility of a lab in creating provisional coverage is often linked to complex cases that involve multiple teeth. When multiple teeth have been prepared for a multi-unit bridge, the lab takes on the task of fabricating the provisional coverage because it needs to ensure that the temporary restoration accurately aligns with the contours and occlusion of the spaces created by the prepared teeth. This is critical for maintaining function and esthetics while the final restoration is being made.

Temporary restorations for multiple units require precision to ensure that the provisional coverage provides adequate support and stability, and this is best managed in a lab where the proper equipment and expertise are available. The lab can create a custom-fabricated provisional that mimics the final restoration, which is difficult to achieve in a single tooth restoration scenario or when only aesthetic issues need to be addressed. In those cases, dental assistants or hygienists may often create temporary restorations chair-side.

Overall, the involvement of the lab in creating provisional coverage is driven by the complexity of the restorations and the need for a precisely fitted interim solution, which is best achieved when multiple teeth are involved.