CEREC same day crowns use advanced, 3D CAD/CAM technology so that our Mesa, AZ dentist can fit and design your new restoration in just one appointment.
Using digital imaging equipment, CEREC takes a virtual scan of your tooth, converts it into a digital impression, and then carves your crown from a solid block of porcelain while you wait. There are no gooey impressions, so if you have a sensitive gag reflex, you’re in luck!
Complete All Your Treatment in One Day
A traditional crown treatment requires at least two appointments: one to prep your tooth, and another one a couple of weeks later to bond your restoration in place.
With CEREC, you can complete the entire process in one sitting. Plus, you can catch up on any other treatment that you need during the same appointment. You can even elect to have sedation during your procedure to help you relax from start to finish.
Many people find that CEREC same day crowns save them money, because they don’t have to take extra time off from work.
An Accurate Fit, Every Time
One of the biggest concerns with traditional crown fabrication — aside from the time involved — is getting a good fit the first time. If the mold of your mouth is damaged or warps between our office and the dental lab, or if something is done incorrectly by the lab technician, your crown won’t fit. This means taking a new impression and sending it off again…and waiting another two weeks.
CEREC eliminates the room for human error during your crown fabrication. The extremely accurate digital scanning is so precise, that your crown will fit perfectly every single time.
They Blend in With Your Smile
Each of our same day crowns are made to look as good as they feel. Our Mesa, AZ CEREC technology uses a variety of ceramic shades, allowing us to select the one that most closely matches your smile. We want your restoration to blend in seamlessly with the teeth around it.
Traditional porcelain crowns often have a metal base underneath the ceramic. This characteristic can leave a grey or silver margin that’s visible along the gum-lines, causing obvious aesthetic concerns.
Since CEREC crowns are made from a solid block of ceramic, there is no visible metal. What you see in the mirror is a consistent porcelain surface that’s tapered nicely to your gum-lines.
Do You Need a Crown?
Dental crowns are protective restorations that are used on teeth that can’t otherwise withstand regular use. We may recommend a CEREC crown if you have:
- A large area of tooth decay
- Significant fractures or wear
- Upcoming root canal treatment
- Cosmetic concerns related to a broken tooth
- The need to replace a very large filling
When a filling isn’t enough to protect your tooth, or there’s already a significant amount of structural damage to your enamel, a crown is the next best solution.
CEREC Blocks Before MillingWhat to Expect During Your CEREC Treatment
First, we’ll numb the tooth that’s being treated with a small amount of local anesthetic. You can elect to have sedation as well, if you like.
Next, the tooth is gently prepped and shaped in such a way that a crown can slip over it, without feeling too bulky or interfering with your bite.
At this point, the CEREC same day crown equipment comes in. We’ll use a small handheld wand to scan your tooth. The digital images are imported into your electronic chart and then transferred to our onsite milling machine.
Next, we’ll select the shade of porcelain that best matches your teeth. Once the block of ceramic is placed into the CEREC machine, we catch up on any other treatment that you need (or you can just enjoy a quick nap) while the crown is being made.
Finally, your new crown is ready to try in. We’ll make sure everything fits properly and in alignment with your other teeth, and then cement your crown permanently into place.
Get the most out of your new crown by flossing around it daily, keeping the margins clean, and brushing gently along your gums. If you tend to clench and grind your teeth, we recommend wearing a mouthguard at night while you sleep (this will help prevent the crown from fracturing your opposing tooth, or the ceramic chipping away.)
Is a Same Day Crown Right for You?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Huynh of Eastport Dental in Mesa, AZ today to find out if CEREC is right for you. Your same day crown can be combined with treatments like dental implants, root canals, or a smile makeover. Request your appointment to learn more!
