For the longest time, receiving a dental crown meant you had to schedule several appointments and wear a temporary version while you waited for the permanent crown to return from an outside lab. Well, thanks to CEREC® technology, our Mullins, SC, dentist can create and place your permanent crown on the same day.
Here’s what you need to know about and their convenience.
A CEREC crown is a highly durable that is made and placed using computer-assisted technology. It functions the same as a traditional crown but is fabricated in one day for a speedier procedure.
CEREC actually stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This sounds like a mouthful but refers to the system that uses computer-aided design and manufacturing to create materials for dental restoration. Having this technology in the office eliminates the need to have porcelain crowns produced in a dental lab.
There are three major advantages to having a CEREC crown. The most obvious benefit being that our dentist can create and place them on a tooth in one visit to the office. With traditional crowns, patients would have to come see us two times and wait upwards of several weeks for the procedure to be completed.
The strength of a CEREC crown is also something to consider. The tooth receiving the crown will be vulnerable and in need of protection. You want the crown that will sit on top of it to withstand the force that comes with chewing and talking. CEREC crowns are built from very strong ceramic that can resist abrasion and last well into the future.
Lastly, a crown should blend in with your natural teeth and a CEREC crown does just that. The ceramic used for the crown’s creation is tooth-colored to match the shade of your existing teeth. Our dentist will use a shade guide to select the right color before moving forward with fabrication and placement.
Our dentist will start by taking digital images of the tooth in need. These pictures are what he will use to create a model of the crown on the computer before it is physically crafted.
The model will take some time to tweak but once our dentist is satisfied with how it looks, he’ll send the design to the milling unit in the office. At this machine, the crown will be carved from a strong block of ceramic material that closely matches the color of your natural tooth enamel.
The newly finished crown will be examined to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color before it is placed. Our dentist will prepare your mouth for the incoming crown and cement it to your tooth. He’ll have you bite down to make sure it fits properly before sending you on your way.
Just like your natural teeth, dental crowns should be taken care of to prevent damage. Be sure to practice regular oral hygiene habits like brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. There is no special care required with a CEREC crown but proper oral care will protect the underlying tooth from decay or gum disease.
How does walking into our office and leaving the same day with a restored tooth sound? With CEREC crowns, our restorative dentist in Mullins, SC, can strengthen teeth and enhance your smile quicker than ever before. Call Blevins Dentistry today at (843) 561-4039 or contact us online for an appointment.
We Can’t Wait to Help You Create Your Dream Smile!