Dental crowns are an effective treatment for damaged or diseased teeth. They enable the patient to enjoy a normal lifestyle, including a healthy, well-rounded diet. But, in the past, receiving crowns took multiple trips to the dentist over a period of several weeks. Thankfully that’s no longer the case, thanks to CEREC technology. This modern approach to dental care harnesses the power of digital technology to make one visit crowns in Sparks possible.
What is CEREC?
CEREC stands for “chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics.” It represents a complete breakthrough in how dental crowns are designed, created, and fitted to the patient’s mouth. Here’s how it works:
- There is a short initial consultation in which the dentist explains what the patient can expect during the process.
- The dentist reshapes the tooth so that it will readily receive the crown. The patient receives anesthetic, making the procedure gentle and comfortable.
- The dentist performs a digital scan of the patient’s teeth and jaw. Not only is this process efficient, it avoids the discomfort associated with more traditional bite-down methods.
- This information is transmitted instantly to an in-office milling machine, which crafts the crown from a single piece of dental-grade porcelain.
- The dentist gives the crown a close visual inspection to ensure it’s the right fit for the patient’s teeth.
- Finally, he or she installs the new crown using a bonding agent, enabling the patient to enjoy the benefits of dental crown therapy right away.
Here are some of the key advantages of CEREC over older techniques:
- Frees the patient from having to wear temporary crowns in between visits.
- Digital technology ensures an absolutely precise fit.
- Saves the patient the inconvenience and expense of making multiple extended trips to the dentist.
- No need to use metal or similar materials; enables the patient to feel assured about the process.
- Dental-grade porcelain is not only remarkably strong but aesthetically pleasing, for long-lasting results.
- CEREC technology can also be used to create inlays, overlays, and, in many cases, bridges, providing comfortable, patient centered solutions to multiple dental conditions.
Advantages like these are why we say CEREC is a vast improvement over the way dental crowns have been designed and fitted in the past. The patient enjoys all the benefits of crown therapy without the uncomfortable and time-consuming steps involved with traditional methods.
Is CEREC for Me?
Virtually any patient who can benefit from crown therapy is a good candidate for CEREC. The procedure does require administration of anesthetics and, usually, several hours in the dentist’s office. In most cases, a short follow-up visit is required so that the dentist may check the crowns and make any necessary adjustments. Talk to your dental professional about these factors if you have any concerns or questions.
Now there is no need to wait weeks to receive your dental crowns. Check with your family, specialty, or emergency dentist in Sparks today to learn more about the advantages CEREC can offer you. We wish you lots of bright and happy smiles, both now and down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas served as a dentist in the U.S. Army before starting his practice here in Sparks. He offers CEREC therapy, implants, and other effective solutions to dental problems. You can reach his office online or by calling (775) 626-3535.