CEREC Same-Day Crowns

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

A dental crown hovering above a pink gum line, set against a teal background.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crow

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. 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.”

Meet the Author

Rachel Studebaker
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude

Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Rachel has assumed the role of managing editor, where she is responsible for the annual development and completion of seventeen publications involving health, wellness, and lifestyles articles that are published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.

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