CEREC Same-Day Crowns

Annual Oral Health Section

Healthy teeth are an easy thing to take for granted, which is why it’s all the more important to take good care of them. In this section, we feature some of the best dental technologies, procedures, and services that can improve the function and appearance of your smile. Through proper upkeep and the support of professionals, you can take charge of your oral health.

This same-day procedure is an effective and convenient option for those in need of a dental crown.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

Crowns are a cap on the tooth that can address cosmetic concerns caused by discolored or misshapen teeth but are more often applied to restore function to chipped, decayed, or fractured teeth. They provide a layer of protection to the tooth that can prevent weakened teeth from breaking, restore teeth that are already broken, or hold bridges in place. A crown can also be used to support teeth that have undergone root canals or to cover dental implants. Crowns can alleviate symptoms caused by a damaged tooth, including toothache, tooth sensitivity, and discomfort while eating.

What Is CEREC?

CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, is a same-day procedure that uses computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to place a crown. 

smiling patient looking at her dentist

During this procedure, your dentist will first prep the tooth by removing any decay. They will then use an intraoral scanner to capture three-dimensional images of the teeth. These images are delivered to CEREC’s computer software, which designs the crown and sends these plans to an on-site machine to create a precise ceramic crown in your natural tooth color. This crown will be ready for application immediately, during which your dentist will bond it to the tooth, polish it, and remove excess debris before the procedure is complete.

The Benefits of Same-Day Crowns

In the past, getting a crown would typically take two visits – a first visit to create impressions and a second to place the new crown. Today, CAD/CAM technology allows your dentist to place a crown in just one visit, eliminating the need for a temporary crown. CEREC same-day crowns are a safe and convenient option for anyone looking to restore their smile, either for functional or cosmetic purposes.

An Expert Weighs In

“With the use of CAD/CAM in dentistry, crowns can be made same-day, eliminating the need to wait two to three weeks for crown fabrication with a temporary crown in place. Although the cost of a lab-fabricated and a same-day crown is about the same, patients save time and money by cutting out the extra visit to come back for the permanent crown. One question we are often asked is about the strength. Studies have shown that CAD/CAM tooth restorations are just as successful as crowns made with traditional materials and techniques.”
Mandy Shearer
Mandy Shearer, DDS
Dentist, Soddy Daisy Smiles

Get the FREE Digital Issue Before the Magazine Hits the Stands.