Of the many types of crowns available, CEREC crowns offer unique properties and timelines to you as the patient. One of the main benefits of CEREC crowns is that it is a same-day procedure. One of our three dentists here at Copper Creek Dental will take digital impressions, create the crown, and cement it all in one visit. If you’re curious about CEREC crowns, here’s what you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC Crowns
1. What is CEREC?
CEREC ceramic crowns can be designed, fabricated, and placed all in one day because of computer-aided technology. The CAD/CAM software uses digital 3D images to design and fabricate a custom-fitted crown. The entire process happens in-house, which eliminates the need for sending impressions to an offsite lab. This means there’s no wait—you can get a permanent crown on the same day.
2. What is the CEREC procedure?
The CEREC crown process has four steps:
- First, our dentists will use a 3D camera to take digital images of your mouth.
- These images are then transferred to a computer, where we will use a CAD program to design the crown.
- Next, the design is transferred to the CAM machine, which fabricates the crown.
- We will then polish the crown and use dental cement to bond it to your tooth.
- Unlike traditional approaches, there is no need for a second appointment to seat the crown! In addition to avoiding using up time in your schedule, this eliminates the need to get numbed a second time.
3. How long does it take to get a CEREC crown?
CEREC crowns are incredibly time-efficient. From start to finish, the CEREC crown procedure takes approximately two hours. Instead of wearing a temporary crown for two weeks while you wait for a lab to manufacture your permanent crown, a CEREC crown can be created at our office the same day.
4. What are CEREC crowns made of?
CEREC crowns are typically made from strong ceramic material, zirconia. They are durable and abrasion-resistant, so they can last a long time, even decades.
5. Do CEREC crowns look natural?
CEREC crowns do not have a metal core like other crowns, so they look and feel more like natural teeth. Plus, the 3D imaging takes very precise measurements, so CEREC crowns tend to have a tight, clean fit.
6. How much do CEREC crowns cost?
The cost of CEREC crowns depends on the type of dental insurance you have and which procedures your insurance covers. CEREC crowns are priced identically to traditional crowns in our office.
7. How long do CEREC crowns last?
You can take care of your CEREC crowns the same way you care for your natural teeth. As long as you brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and keep up with your scheduled dental appointments, they should last for many years. The most common cause of failure is not usually the crown itself, but decay returning to the tooth below the crown. Proper dental hygiene will help your CEREC crowns last longer.
CEREC Crowns in South Jordan, Utah
Our patients love CEREC crowns because they only take a single appointment and feel so natural. The bite on the majority of crowns needs little adjustment after being placed. There’s no need to wait for a permanent crown, so you won’t have to worry about losing a temporary crown or making time for a second appointment. If you have any questions about what to know before getting a CEREC crown, contact Copper Creek Dental to schedule an exam today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/17/2024) Image by Fitsum Assefa from Pixabay