What Are CEREC® Same-Day Crowns—And Why Should You Be Interested?

Unexpected dental problems can be very stressful, even if the issue at hand isn’t too serious. Something our patients dread the most about needing an emergency dentist in Winchester, KY, is the time it demands to solve it.

Fixing a broken or missing tooth with a traditional crown can require several visits to the office, occupying your time and disturbing your daily routine. However, with CEREC® crowns, you can get quality restorative care in just one appointment.  

Here’s all you need to know about this technology.

What Is a CEREC® Crown?

CEREC® crowns are a type of restoration used to repair and protect broken, worn-down, or damaged teeth. The name stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, and it stems from the fact that they can be manufactured while you’re sitting comfortably on your dentist’s office chair.

Traditionally, crown restorations were a two-step process. On your first appointment, a dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any damaged structure and shaping it for the crown. Then, they take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to a laboratory. Once the lab has finished the permanent crown, you need a second appointment to have it fitted.

CEREC® crowns, on the other hand, are a type of same-day dentistry. Thanks to specialized equipment, they can be designed and placed very quickly. Their process is similar:

1. First, CAD/CAM computer-assisted software uses real images of your mouth to design a tailored crown.

2. These specifications are relayed to an in-house laboratory that produces a high-quality ceramic restoration.  

3. Finally, the restoration is bonded to the tooth.  

That way, you can go home on the same day with a complete and fully functional crown.

Benefits of CEREC® Crowns

The technology behind CEREC® has made an impact in dentistry by sorting out some of the most inconvenient aspects of oral procedures. Specifically, it eliminates the need to make several returns for patients who are short on time. Moreover, same-day crowns offer other benefits, such as:

• Natural-looking: CEREC® crowns are designed using a computer-aided design and manufacturing program that incorporates digital images of your teeth and jaw. This ensures that your crown will perfectly adapt to your smile in color, size, and shape.
• Appearance: Besides adapting to your existing teeth, these crowns don’t have a metal core, which makes them highly unnoticeable. Additionally, they’re made from high-quality ceramic that easily blends in with your other teeth.
• Comfort: Same-day crowns save you from the trouble of having to wear—and take care of—a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one to be made.
• Durability: These crowns are reliable and resistant to abrasion. With proper care, you can make them last many years.

Disadvantages of CEREC® Crowns  

These crowns provide exciting benefits, no solution is perfect for everyone. Some of its downsides are:

• Availability: The CEREC® technology is highly advanced, and not every dental office has it.  
• Costs: Although they save you the trouble of several visits, CEREC® crowns can have higher costs.  
• Limited materials: The crown's manufacturing process is very specific, so this method is limited in the variety of materials CEREC® can use to make your crown.  

Find an Emergency Dentist in Winchester, KY, Who Does CEREC® Crowns

CEREC® is the ideal solution for those looking to limit their number of dental appointments. However, if you’re not sure if they’re a plausible option for you, a qualified dentist at Georgetown Sedation Dentistry will always be willing to help.

If you want to get a professional opinion, give us a call!