Sometimes a dental filling just isn’t enough to support a tooth from wearing down or fracturing. In this case, a dental crown is the best solution to help restore a tooth to its natural function and esthetics. At Skeens Family Dentistry, we utilize the most advanced dental techniques like CEREC same day crowns. This level of technology guarantees optimal restorative results at the most convenient level of comfort.
What is CEREC dentistry?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic which offers replacement for a natural tooth. CEREC utilizes an innovative CAD/CAM (Computer Aided/Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) system to mill a custom ceramic crown in a single visit, avoiding the multiple dental visits and temporary crowns needed for traditional crown restorations. The custom crowns are metal free and are usually created in less than one hour.
Your Dental Clinic Encinitas practice is proud to offer CAD/CAM technology to create a digital impression and convert it into a 3-dimensional model of your tooth and mouth. This technology allows a custom tooth to be fabricated at the highest level of precision and reduces chances for the crown not fitting well or matching your adjacent teeth.
What are the benefits of getting a CEREC same-day crown?
One of the major benefits of CEREC is the convenience of getting a tooth restored in a single dental visit. Skip that second visit or missing a work or family event! Traditionally, a crown restoration may take 2-3 visits, impressions in plaster that may distort or crowns that need many adjustments. The CEREC process is a quick and seamless procedure that uses digital impressions, making the visit more comfortable and accurate than traditional impressions.
The prognosis of a CEREC restoration shows they can have a 5 year success rate of close to 95%. The materials used to fabricate CEREC crowns are highly durable and are expected to last for 10 years or more. The reason for their durability is the strong ceramic material and precision of the crown due to the highest level of technology.
Do CEREC crowns look like your natural teeth?
The shade of the CEREC ceramic is very close to your natural teeth, making it look discreet and unnoticeable. There is no uncomfortable temporary restoration that does not fit as well or appear as unnatural looking. Lastly, a CEREC crown uses a single block of ceramic instead of molded ceramic and metal making it a reliable and stable restoration.
How does a CEREC same-day crown get made?
The procedure to create a CEREC is done on a 3-D printer. A CEREC crown is created using a CAD/CAM 3-D printer to fabricate custom dental restorations. Your dentist will use a scanner to take digital photographs of your prepped tooth that needs a crown. The CEREC machine will mill the crown out of ceramic, which typically takes about 15 minutes. The new crown is then fit and adjusted, and permanently cemented. The entire process of receiving a custom-milled crown from start to finish is usually 1-2 hours.
Who is eligible for a CEREC same-day crown?
If you are in need of a dental crown, a CEREC may be the best option for you. Some of the most common reasons why a crown is necessary include:
- Severely decayed teeth
- Fractured or chipped teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Damage from trauma or injury
- Severely stained or discolored teeth that cannot be corrected with a filling
- Severe grinding that wore down your natural tooth
How do I maintain my new CEREC crown?
Care for a CEREC is the same as any other crown restoration. Good oral hygiene and routine dental visits ensure a long-lasting restoration. Avoid eating sticky and chewy foods to prevent any potential problems or decay.
If you are interested in a natural-looking and durable crown and don’t want to wait a few weeks to get it, a CEREC is an incredible dental treatment that can fit your needs. Schedule a consultation with Skeens Family Dentistry today to discuss CEREC and all of your dental needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES AT ENCINITAS FAMILY DENTISTRY
At our core, Encinitas Dentistry is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. How we accomplish that goal is what makes us stand out. We mingle time-tested approaches to oral care with state-of-the-art technology and procedures to deliver beautiful, long-lasting smiles!