The CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) dental crown procedure is a technology-driven process used to create and place dental crowns in a single dental visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns. CEREC utilizes computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to design, fabricate, and place high-quality ceramic crowns.
CEREC dental crown procedure Overview:
- Examination and preparation: Your dentist will examine your tooth to determine if a dental crown is necessary. If a crown is deemed appropriate, the tooth is prepared by removing any decayed or damaged areas and reshaping it to accommodate the crown.
- Optical Impression: Instead of using traditional dental putty to take an impression of your teeth, a digital optical scanner is used to create a three-dimensional image of the prepared tooth. The scanner captures precise details and creates a digital model.
- CAD/CAM Design: The digital model is sent to a computer where specialized CAD software is used to design the crown. Your dentist can customize the shape, size, and color of the crown to ensure it matches your natural teeth and fits properly.
- Crown Milling: The designed crown is sent to an on-site milling machine, which uses the CAD data to carve the crown from a block of ceramic material. This process typically takes only about 15 minutes.
- Crown Bonding: Once the crown is milled, it is polished and prepared for bonding. Your dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before permanently placing the crown on your tooth. Dental cement is used to bond the crown to the prepared tooth surface.
- Final Adjustments: Talk to your dentist about sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation. These can help you relax and reduce anxiety during dental treatments.
Advantages:
The CEREC dental crown procedure offers several advantages, including:
- Convenience- CEREC crowns can be completed in a single dental visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments.
- Preserves more natural tooth structure- The crowns are made of high-quality ceramic material, which closely resembles natural teeth in color and translucency.
- Durability- CEREC crowns are known for their long-lasting results.
It’s important to note that while the CEREC procedure is becoming increasingly popular, not all dental practices have the necessary equipment and expertise to offer this service. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult your dentist who specifically provides CEREC crown treatment.
