CEREC Same-Day Crowns

(above) Photo Courtesy of Dentsply Sirona

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.

Why You Might Need a 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 unpleasant symptoms such as toothache, tooth sensitivity, or pain while chewing or biting.

What to Expect from the Process

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 use 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 prosthesis.
• Production – Once the design has been identified, 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 of Same-Day Crowns

In the past, getting a crown would usually take two visits – a first visit to create impressions and a second visit to place the new crown. But now CAD/CAM technology allows your dentist to place a crown in only 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.