When it comes to restoring a damaged tooth, dental crowns are one of the most tried-and-true solutions. However, traditionally, they can take a couple of weeks to fabricate. But did you know there’s a way to get a crown in just one visit? Thanks to CEREC technology, you can have a custom-made crown placed in a couple of hours! If you’re curious about this incredible technology, continue reading. You’ll find answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about CEREC crowns.
What Is a CEREC Crown?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a wonderful and innovative technology that allows dentists to design, create, and place a crown right in their office! Using digital imaging and computer-aided design, your dentist can craft a custom restoration that fits your tooth perfectly. This means no more temporary crowns and no more waiting for weeks to receive your crown from the dental lab.
How Does the CEREC Process Work?
The process starts with your dentist preparing the damaged tooth by removing any decay or old fillings. Then, instead of taking a traditional impression with messy putty, the dentist uses a special camera to take a digital scan of your tooth.
This 3D image is used to feed your crown’s dimensions into a specialized computer program. Once the design is complete, the restoration is milled from a block of ceramic. The dentist then fits, polishes, and bonds the crown to your tooth—all in one visit!
Do CEREC Crowns Offer the Same Benefits as Traditional Ones?
Absolutely! The biggest advantage CEREC crowns offer over traditional methods is convenience. Getting a crown in one visit saves you time and eliminates the need for temporary restorations. However, cutting corners on time in this case doesn’t mean that the quality suffers!
CEREC crowns are made from the same high-quality ceramic as regular crowns, making them strong, and highly aesthetic. They can even be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. With proper care, a CEREC crown can last just as long as one of its traditional counterparts.
Overall, CEREC crowns offer a quick, comfortable, and effective way to restore your smile. So, the next time you need a crown, ask your dentist if they offer CEREC technology. You’ll be amazed how much better a crown feels when you don’t have to wait for it!
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh is a dedicated dentist with a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. For over two decades, he’s provided quality care for his patients using state-of-the-art dental technology and methods informed by ever-expanding scientific research. Call (919) 460-5454 to schedule an appointment at Cary Dental Rejuvenation or visit our website to explore other services we provide.