What is a crown?
A dental crown is a cover or “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is to preserve tooth structure and to act like a real tooth.
Why you might need a crown:
When a cavity is too large for a filling
If you have a missing tooth and need a bridge
To cover a dental implant
If the tooth is cracked or in a weakened state
Protect a restored tooth after a root canal treatment
If you want to improve a specific tooth that is discolored or misshaped
Why we use CEREC to create crowns in-house:
A crown made through a traditional dentist office usually requires you to go to the dentist office for two or more visits. On the first visit, the tooth is usually reduced in size and made ready for the crown, a temporary crown is made for you, an impression is taken of your teeth and then sent to a laboratory. The crown is then made at the laboratory and sent back to your dentist.
When you come back for your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the new crown is fitted on the prepared tooth.
The CEREC process eliminates you having to come back for the second visit because the CEREC equipment can reside in the dentist’s office and the dentist will use the CEREC equipment to work on your tooth while you wait.
CEREC crown technology for patients over traditional dentistry:
The patient only needs one visit instead of two or more, saving time and money
The computer-aided design ensures an exact fit eliminating biting problems and return visits
The patient does not have the cost and bother of a temporary crown
The CEREC crowns are made out of ceramic, use no metal and are esthetically pleasing
Despite all these advantages, many dentists have not embraced this technology for a number of reasons including the cost of obtaining the equipment, and the time needed for the training. The challenge is finding a dentist who has the CEREC equipment, and experience necessary for successful results. Dentists using CEREC must obtain additional training to obtain the results that are possible with the technology.