The process of creating a traditional dental crown can take several weeks or more to complete. Your tooth has to be reshaped, and an impression must be made. The impression then has to be sent to a dental laboratory, where specially-trained technicians fabricate the final restoration. The process can leave you wearing a temporary crown for weeks or even months. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, you no longer have to wait. At Hunter Dental Care, we offer same day crowns using CEREC, a revolutionary device that provides high-quality dental restorations in just minutes!
What are CEREC Crowns?
The name CEREC is an acronym that stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. CEREC technology has transformed modern dentistry using both computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD). CEREC allows us to deliver a porcelain crown that is about the same price as a lab-made crown, without the waiting.
Same Day Crown Procedure
During your first visit, Dr. Hunter will conduct a thorough examination to determine if the same-day crown is right for you. Next, we will prepare your tooth for the restoration. To accommodate a crown, your enamel must be completely reshaped, and the decayed portion must be removed.
After your tooth has been properly prepared, we will use an intraoral wand to take a digital scan of your mouth. The scan allows us to create a 3D image of your tooth, and also eliminates the need for a physical impression, which can be messy and inaccurate.
Next, Dr. Hunter will use the 3D image and the CAD software to adjust and design the crown, right there while you watch! Once we are satisfied with the crown, we will send the information to the CEREC milling machine and insert a porcelain block. The porcelain we use will be matched to the existing shade of your teeth. Then, the milling machine will create a customize-fit dental crown that matches the digital representation exactly. The crown can be fabricated in a matter of minutes. Once the process is complete, Dr. Hunter will place the crown to make sure it fits properly. We may need to make some last-minute adjustments to protect your adjacent teeth and gum tissue. Your final porcelain crown is then attached to the tooth using a strong adhesive or cement. The whole process can be as quick as a few hours.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns
There are several benefits to choosing a CEREC crown, some of which include:
| • | Convenience: Traditional crowns can take weeks or even months to complete. |
| • | No impressions: The digital scanning process eliminates the need for physical impressions that can be messy, cause gagging, or leave your mouth irritated. |
| • | Time: CEREC is the fastest method of producing a dental crown, which saves you time and additional appointments. |
| • | Appearance: CEREC crowns are made using the best materials available and offer superior esthetics. Other crowns can cause dark lines or rings near the gum line. |
| • | Design: The CEREC design software produces a better-designed crown that needs fewer adjustments. Simply put, they are fitted better to your teeth. |
Read the Cerec Brochure and our Same Day Crown FAQ for more information!
Schedule a Consultation
Not every practice offers same day dental crowns, like Hunter Dental Care. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (503) 256-3737 now!