Have you experienced tooth decay or injury? One of the most common restorative dentistry procedures is the dental crown. It’s a thin, tooth-shaped covering that restores the form and function of a damaged tooth. Traditionally, the treatment for a dental crown has required multiple visits to the dentist and weeks spent waiting in between. Now, your dentist is pleased to offer a more efficient alternative: CEREC one-visit crowns.
The Process for a Same-Day Crown
CEREC stands for chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics. Using CAD/CAM (computer aided design and manufacturing), your dentist can plan for, manufacture, and place a beautiful dental crown in a single appointment.
Here’s how it works, in brief.
- First, your dentist removes any decayed tissue and reshapes your tooth to accommodate the new crown.
- Digital scans are taken of the tooth and surrounding area.
- This information is sent to the CEREC software, where your dentist sketches an electronic blueprint for your new crown. A same-day crown is highly customizable, including specifications for the color, size, and shape of the tooth.
- Once the designs are in place, the blueprint is sent to the in-house milling machine. Here, the restoration is crafted from a single block of dental porcelain in a matter of minutes.
After the crown has been prepared, your dentist will check to make sure it fits as planned. Any necessary final adjustments can be made before it is securely bonded onto the affected tooth.
Numerous Benefits of Same-Day Dentistry
There are a number of advantages of same-day restorations compared to the traditional method of having the crown prepared in a separate lab. Some of the most significant benefits include…
- Having the entire procedure completed in one visit to the dentist saves you time, not to mention sick leave or vacation days at work.
- CEREC crowns are made out of dental porcelain, a sturdy and natural-looking material that works just as well in the front of the smile as in the back.
- Digital scans are more comfortable than traditional bite-down impressions.
- Often, more of the natural tooth structure can be saved.
- The slight risk of miscommunication between the doctor’s office and lab is eliminated when everything is handled in-house.
- A same-day crown can last just as long as one prepared using the traditional manner.
Caring for Your New Crown
Maintaining a CEREC crown isn’t any different from taking care of a traditional restoration. Make sure you continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep the restoration and your surrounding teeth and gums healthy. Concentrate on the area at the base of the crown to prevent bacteria buildup. If your crown is in the front of the smile, you may want to avoid biting directly into hard or crunchy items. Talk to your dentist about special considerations for teeth grinding or contact sports — wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can be a great idea.
With proper care and maintenance, your new CEREC can last for many years!
Meet the Practice
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington provides families and individuals with comprehensive care in a state-of-the-art environment. To learn more about his services or to schedule an appointment with the dentist, you are invited to contact the office at 360-274-9100.