If you’ve ever cracked a tooth or lost a large filling you’ve probably needed a crown. Do you recall the multiple appointments it used to take and the goo-filled imprisoned needed? What if we told you that modern dentistry has come so far over the years that we can skip all of that messiness and with a simple camera and in-office machine, we can make you a perfectly fitted crown in one appointment without the need for any messy goo-filled impressions?
Let’s first look at the traditional process for a crown and then we will look at the new way, the CEREC crown way.
The Process of Traditional Crowns
The traditional way of doing crowns has been around for decades. It’s a tried and true method that has worked for millions of people over the years. A traditional crown is completed in two visits to the office. During the first visit, we will prepare the tooth that is in need of a crown, and make an impression to send off to the laboratory so they can custom-fit the crown to put on your tooth. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it until the new crown is completed usually in 2-3 weeks. Then, you will come back in to have the permanent crown placed on your tooth.
The Process of CEREC Crown
For a CEREC crown, the biggest draw is that we can complete it all in one appointment. After we prepare the tooth that is set to get a crown, we use an intraoral camera to take a digital image and impression of your tooth. Based on this image and the measurements taken, the CEREC software will create a virtual model of your tooth. It will use this model to construct the tooth restoration right on screen and passes off the finished construction wirelessly to our in-office milling machine. A high-grade ceramic, plaque-resistant material is then milled to complete your new crown right in the office. Next, we will immediately place the crown onto your tooth with little to no bite adjustment needed thanks to the accuracy of the technology used.
If you’re in need of a crown and are ready to skip the traditional method and try the CEREC method, give our office a call or you can book online here.
