Final answer:
The correct answer is a temporary restoration, which is made from zinc oxide and eugenol known for its sedative effects on the dental pulp, unlike the more permanent dental amalgam that consists of metals and mercury.
Step-by-step explanation:
The placement of a temporary restorative material made from zinc oxide and eugenol that exerts a sedative effect on the pulp is considered a temporary restoration. This type of material is different from a dental amalgam, which is a more permanent type of filling composed of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and approximately 50% mercury by weight. Concerns have been raised over the years regarding the use of mercury in dental amalgams due to its toxicity.