Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are synthetic caps that are placed over damaged teeth to restore their shape and function. They can protect weak teeth from breaking, restore teeth that are already broken, or hold bridges in place. A crown can also be used to support a tooth that has had a root canal or to cover a dental implant.
Without crowns, teeth that are chipped, decayed, or fractured might produce unpleasant symptoms like toothache, tooth sensitivity, or pain while chewing or biting.
New Solutions
Advancements in dental technology have transformed the dental crown process. Previous methods required two visits – a first visit to create impressions and a second visit to place the new crown. Today, with CEREC, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology allows your dentist to place a crown in just one visit. Studies have shown that CAD/CAM tooth restorations are just as successful as those made using traditional techniques. The technology can also assist your dentist in preserving more of your existing tooth.
How It Works
The CEREC same-day crown process involves five steps:
Preparation – Before your new crown can be attached, your dentist will prep your tooth for the prosthesis by removing decay or affected tissue.
Scan – Next, your dentist will scan your teeth to create a complete, three-dimensional model of your mouth.
Design – Using CEREC’s computer software to review the 3-D model, your dentist will identify the proper design and fit for your prosthesis.
Production – Once designed, the software will connect with an on-site milling machine that then creates a precise ceramic prosthesis that matches your natural tooth color.
Application – Your new crown will be ready for application immediately. Your dentist will bond it to your tooth, polish it, and remove excess cement or debris.
Benefits to Patients
Same-day crowns add an ease to dental work that patients can appreciate. The need for multiple appointments is eliminated, and temporary crowns are unnecessary. Additionally, the design phase of the procedure is done chairside, so patients can see what their crown will look like, as well as how it will fit.
