CEREC® crowns tackle dental health and cosmetic problems, often at the same time. This type of crown is popular for its convenience. The computer-aided design and manufacture of CEREC crowns reduces fabrication time to a few short hours. This makes it possible for a patient to walk into a dental office with a toothache and walk out with a brand-new tooth. This is an explainer of how CEREC crowns work, but first, we'll go over the different uses and benefits of same-day crowns.
Crowns are versatile dental restorations with a range of applications. For starters, dental crowns restore teeth whose outer structures suffer damage due to tooth decay or injury. Crowns can also correct severe gapping in teeth.
Most importantly, crowns can be used to replace missing teeth. Implant-supported crowns are a way to replace one or more teeth. Crowns can also act as supports for dental bridges. There are many reasons that dentists recommend crowns:
The process of fitting a crown usually takes two dental appointments and several days from start to finish. This is where CEREC crowns come in. Imagine enjoying all the benefits of a dental crown without a days-long wait time. This is what same-day CEREC crowns offer.
CEREC reduces the process of fitting a crown to a single dental appointment. Here is what a patient should expect when they see a dentist with an in-house CEREC system.
When a patient walks into a dentist’s office with a toothache or tooth fracture, the dentist will evaluate the extent of the problem. This will often involve a visual exam and where necessary, medical imaging like an x-ray or a CT scan.
The patient exam allows for a diagnosis and patient screening. For example, a small cavity lends itself to direct filling with dental bonding. Crowns only become an option in cases of extensive structural damage to the teeth.
In the case of tooth decay or injury, the dentist will remove the infection, along with the dead, dying, and weak dental tissue. Next, the dentist will prepare the tooth. This involves removing a layer of enamel to make room for the crown. Enamel removal also roughens the surface of the tooth, allowing the crown to adhere firmly to the underlying tooth.
The dentist will then take a digital picture of the patient’s mouth. This image will capture the new shape of the prepared tooth. The camera connects to a computer with CEREC design software, such that the intraoral scans feed into the modeling module of CEREC.
The CEREC design software will use the scans as inputs to create a 3D model of the patient’s tooth or teeth. With this model, the dentist will design a crown that fits perfectly over the prepared tooth.
A major advantage of CEREC crowns is that patients get to see a preview of what their teeth will look like after restoration. They can request adjustments, which the dentist may incorporate into the design.
The design module of CEREC sends the final draft to the milling unit. Like a 3D printer, the milling unit will use the design to carve a crown out of a suitable block of ceramic.
Lastly, the dentist will use dental adhesive/cement to attach the crown to the tooth.
CEREC® crowns are a convenient course of treatment for the patient on the go. Get in touch with our practice to find out how you can walk out of our offices with a brand-new tooth and a brand new smile.
Request an appointment here: http://www.jaredsmithdmd.com or call Jared M. Smith DMD at (719) 298-4214 for an appointment in our Canon City office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: CEREC Dentist in Canon City, CO.
CEREC® crowns are becoming more and more popular as they offer an array of benefits that traditional dental crowns do not. However, because they are relatively new to dentistry, many people still have questions about what they are and what the treatment process entails.Below is a quick overview of CEREC dental crowns. This information can…
CEREC® crowns are the fastest way to repair a damaged tooth with a dental crown, and they can be created in place in a single dental visit. They have transformed the way dentists and patients view the dental crown placement process, and they can help patients who need prompt treatment for a damaged or decayed…
Thinking about choosing CEREC® dental crowns? The main benefit that comes with selecting this crown option is that there is no need to make more than one appointment, which means no temporary crowns, as patients can have any crowns they need to be placed on the same day. Choosing an experienced dentist to perform the…
A dental crown can protect the remaining dental structure. It can restore and protect the natural tooth. Maintaining this restoration can help keep your smile intact for a long time. Here are some care tips for your new dental crown.Specific foods can damage a dental crown. Some raw fruits and vegetables are firm and hard.…