One of the drawbacks to traditional dental crowns has always been that the process requires two appointments: One for the exam and X-rays, and a follow-up appointment for installation.
What Is CEREC?
CEREC is a cutting-edge procedure that allows you to have a crown created and installed in a single appointment. Doing all the work in one day saves both you and the dentist time, and it also offers much faster relief if the crown is needed to repair a cracked or damaged tooth.
Traditional crowns are crafted by sending your X-rays off to a laboratory. Installation then happens when the lab ships them back to your dentist’s office. With CEREC, we do the whole process in-house here at Concord Advanced Dentistry. The CEREC process was a major advance in restorative dentistry.
The CEREC Process – How It Works
The first step in a same day crown treatment is to prepare the affected tooth. This might involve removing any decay on the tooth, or drilling the tooth into a proper shape so that the crown will fit on it.
A reflective powder is then applied to the teeth. Using a small wand, your dentist will take pictures of your teeth. Those pictures are sent to 3D imaging CAD/CAM software, which generates an exact three-dimensional image of your tooth.
While those images are being processed, the dentist selects a small ceramic block that matches the shading of your natural teeth. That ceramic block is what we use during the visit to “3D print” your crown — a process that takes about five minutes once the image is sent to the milling machine.
The dentist will then verify that the crown fits properly and is the correct shade before cementing it in place. That’s it! You’ve had the crown created and installed in one visit.
Benefits of Same Day Crowns
- Everything happens in one dentistry appointment
- No putty mold in your mouth to create the crown
- No temporary prosthetic crown
- Replace a missing tooth or support a damaged tooth
- Corrects your smile and any chewing difficulties
Caring for a Same Day CEREC Crown
Regular daily brushing and flossing should be maintained. It’s also really important to keep up with your twice-a-year dental appointments at Concord Advanced Dentistry. Your dentist can check on the progress of the crown and will notice any wear and tear over time.
You will also want to care for a same day crown by avoiding activities that could damage it. Don’t open things with your teeth. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, this can damage a dental crown; wearing a night guard when you sleep can help protect the crown.
The porcelain that a same day crown is made from is extremely durable. If properly cared for, a same day crown can last between 20 and 30 years. With that being said, proper care is extremely important. At Concord Advanced Dentistry, we are proud to offer CEREC same day crowns for our patients. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
