What is a CEREC® Dental Crown?
If you’re in need of having a crown placed or replaced, consider using a CEREC crown. CEREC is an acronym that stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a new state-of-the-art system that creates a high-grade quality crown during your initial dental visit. Additionally, it’s a fairly painless procedure to do, and anesthesia will be used to numb the surrounding areas. A CEREC crown is easy to care for by following your basic oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing will help with upkeep. You can rest assured that your CEREC crown can last anywhere between five to fifteen years. Dr. Eguren or Dr. Doyle will be with you every step of the way.
Am I In Need of a Dental Crown?
There are many uses for a crown. Here is a list of instances where a crown may be the right option for you to restore your smile:
- To be used as a closure to cover a filling
- To position and hold a dental bridge in place
- To protect a deteriorating tooth after a root canal
- To reconstruct the appearance of a broken tooth
- To redevelop the strength of a worn-down tooth
- To assure the protection of children’s teeth, if they are predisposed to developing tooth decay
Is a CEREC® Dental Crown Right For Me?
For some, there may come a time when a discussion about fillings will arise. A CEREC crown stands out ahead of the traditional porcelain crown technology. They are more durable than the usual white composite fillings because they are made of porcelain. What makes a CEREC crown more appealing is the porcelain materials used are tooth-coloured. The colouring enables your dentist to restore your tooth’s natural look and function to match comparably close to your own. Unlike before, it can now take one simple visit to complete your new crown. There is no longer the need for a temporary crown. Your CEREC crown will be custom-fitted, eliminating the potential for discomfort. And now that a CEREC crown is milled rather than layered and pressed, your tooth will last you for a time to come.
CEREC® Dental Crowns vs the Traditional Porcelain Crown
Obtaining a porcelain crown used to take more than one visit to the dentist. First, the broken tooth had to be tended to during the first visit. Then the process of creating your custom crown began by taking a mold of your tooth to send back to the lab. In the in-between time, you would be fitted with a temporary crown while waiting for your crown to be completed and returned to the dental office. Upon the second visit, you would then be fitted with your permanent crown restoration.
Now, with a CEREC crown, the processing time is cut down considerably. It only takes one visit and one procedure. Creating a CEREC crown restoration consists of using a machine with advanced 3D photography and CAD/CAM technology. An image is taken and sent to the ‘milling’ part of the machine that quickly produces your new CEREC crown in minutes. You’re then fitted with your new crown during your appointment, leaving the office with a beautifully restored smile.
Post-treatment CEREC® Dental Crown Care
Just like any other procedure, there may be things that will go perfectly well and other things that you need to keep an eye out for. If you have any issues with the following, please contact us right away:
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- Any type of tooth sensitivity is normal after a bonded dental restoration. Some may or may not experience it, and that’s fine. However, if you’re still dealing with discomfort after six weeks, please contact us. It could mean that your tooth has nerve damage or that the tooth decay was deeper than initially suspected.
- Hold off on chewing hard foods such as candy, ice, peanuts etc. for a couple of weeks. You want to give your new CEREC crown time to settle in and bond properly.
- After a tooth restoration, you may find that your bite is off-kilter. Not to worry! If your bite doesn’t feel right after the anesthesia has worn off, give us a call and we will get you fitted just right.
- Of course, this one shouldn’t be a surprise. Make sure to keep up with your daily hygiene visits and routine. You want your crown to last you many years. Brush, floss and include fluoride in your daily regimen. For you to benefit from your new CEREC crown, make sure to contact the office for any issues. The earlier they are spotted and taken care of, the better it is for your crown and dental health.
If you have any questions about receiving a CEREC crown or require a consultation, call our office at 780-432-3430 and we will be more than happy to assist you!