Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
Crowns can be used to cover discolored or badly shaped teeth for cosmetic reasons; however, they are more often applied for functional reasons. Crowns 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, a tooth that is chipped, decayed, or fractured might produce a toothache, tooth sensitivity, or pain while chewing or biting.
What Is CEREC?
CEREC is a CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology that allows your dentist to place durable, high-quality ceramic crowns in just one visit.
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 – Using an intraoral scanner, your dentist will take three-dimensional images of your teeth. These scans replace conventional impressions, which require a heavy molding paste that can be uncomfortable for patients.
- Design – The intraoral scanner connects with CEREC’s computer software to identify the proper design and fit for your crown.
- Production – Once designed, the software will connect with an on-site milling machine that creates a precise ceramic prosthesis to match your natural tooth color.
- Application – A 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 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. 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. HS
