Same Day Crowns (CEREC)
“CEREC,” or “ceramic reconstruction,” is a relatively new procedure that allows for a full mouth reconstruction in one dental visit. Whether you’re addressing a missing tooth, restoring a natural tooth, or enhancing your smile with cosmetic dentistry, this advanced approach ensures excellent dentistry in less time. Traditionally, mouth reconstruction involves a handful of dental appointments, during which dental crowns or ceramic inserts are fixed to the gums individually. Computer-aided design (CAD) technology creates a virtual mold without requiring impressions from your dentist, and can build a new set of crowns while you wait in the chair. If your dentist recommends a new dental crown or a complete set of dental crowns, ask them about CEREC and whether it’s the right solution for you.
Procedure
After determining that a full mouth reconstruction is required, your dentist will schedule an inpatient visit for your same-day crowns. During this appointment, you will sit in a CEREC chair while your dentist uses an oral camera to take virtual impressions of your mouth. This advanced process is ideal for patients needing general dentistry, dental care, or restorative solutions like tooth extractions followed by crown placement. The computer will then design a new ceramic mold of your teeth, which is created while you wait. Once your dentist fits the ceramic mold to your mouth, he or she may provide a few finishing details in order to match the color of your original teeth. For patients with more complex needs—such as oral surgery, a root canal, or dental implant placement—the CEREC system can be integrated into a broader cosmetic dentistry or restorative plan. If your dentist doesn’t have in-office printing capabilities, your uniquely designed mold will be sent to a dental laboratory, which can create the restoration and will send the finished product back to your dentist to be fitted to your mouth. The restoration will then be returned to Metro Square Dental Associates, where it can be fitted to complete your transformation.
Benefits
Since the early 2000s, same-day crowns and same-day implants have been possible for patients in need of significant mouth reconstruction. At Metro Square Dental Associates, we understand the importance of addressing your dental needs efficiently and effectively. Compared to individual implants that require multiple dental visits, the advantages of CEREC include:
- Time effective. If your dentist has a milling machine in his or her office, your restoration can be created and implanted in one visit. This is particularly helpful for patients needing emergency dental care, such as those with a broken tooth or cracked tooth requiring immediate attention.
- Long-lasting. While crowns can consist of a variety of materials, CEREC uses ceramic to create your mold, which lasts longer and is more durable than many other ingredients. This durability is essential for addressing a damaged tooth caused by tooth decay or accidents.
- Less invasive. Thanks to advances in technology, the recovery period for CEREC crowns continues to decrease. Your CEREC appointment will include fewer follow-up appointments and a nearly perfect success rate, making it an excellent choice for improving your oral health.
- Comfortable procedure. Your dentist will use an oral camera instead of traditional impressions, which prevents the discomfort of bulky molds in your mouth. This is ideal for patients managing dental health concerns or seeking to minimize invasive procedures.
- Aesthetic. Ceramic appears and functions more similarly to your original teeth than most other materials used to create crowns. Whether you require a temporary crown or a permanent solution, CEREC provides a natural-looking finish that aligns with your overall orthodontic treatment or cosmetic goals.
- Accurate. The CEREC machine is considered more precise than manually administered impressions. The CEREC machine is considered more precise than manually administered impressions, ensuring a snug fit for your dental filling, crown, or inlay.