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The world is getting faster all the time thanks to technology, and fortunately, this same type of progress can be seen in dentistry. Over the last decade, CEREC has allowed countless patients to repair severely compromised teeth in just a single appointment, drastically shortening a process that previously required multiple visits spaced out across multiple weeks. How does it work, and even though it’s relatively quick, is it also able to deliver an attractive and lasting result?
What is CEREC?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. That’s quite a mouthful, but the way it works is relatively straightforward.
In short, it utilizes computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to help your dentist design, mill, and place a porcelain dental crown in just one visit. Crowns are typically recommended to address large cavities, cracked teeth, failing fillings, and protect teeth following root canal treatment.
CEREC: A Patient’s Perspective
Here’s what the typical experience with CEREC is like:
- Your dentist will start by examining your tooth and taking an X-ray.
- From there, they’ll recommend ways they can fix it. If it’s too far gone for a filling or bonding, then a crown is the next logical step.
- Your tooth will be smoothed to prepare it for the crown and ensure there is enough room in your mouth for the restoration.
- To design your crown, they’ll use a small device to scan your mouth and create a 3D impression of your teeth. This approach is much faster and more accurate than the old way that involved someone biting into a mold filled with putty.
- The impression will be used to create your crown so that it’s the right shape, color, and size. Your dentist will be able to handle all of this digitally in a matter of minutes.
- The plan for the crown is sent to CEREC’s automated milling machine where the restoration is sculpted using a solid piece of dental-grade porcelain.
- Finally, the crown is placed into your mouth.
All told, this process is done within just a few hours, three at most.
Saving You More Than Time
Not having to go to the dentist more than once for a crown is a huge benefit in itself, especially if you’re consistently busy. On top of this, CEREC crowns have shown themselves to be just as strong and long-lasting as those from an outside lab. CEREC also makes it easy for your dentist to give you a replacement crown should you ever need one. With this technology, you get both speed and quality in equal measure.
While it might sound too good to be true, CEREC has proven itself across the country, helping millions of patients and thousands of dental practices deliver comfortable, personalized care that can keep up with our fast-paced world.
About the Author
Dr. Brenda Berkal has more than 40 years of dental experience. Over the course of her career, she has worked diligently to stay on top of the latest advancements in her field and integrate them into her practice to improve the patient experience. If you have any questions about CEREC or think you might need a dental crown, contact our Derry, NH, dental office at 603-441-2112.