Get A Crown In A Day
CEREC stands for "Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic." While it may sound complex, the process is actually quite simple. CEREC uses CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing) technology to create dental crowns in just a few minutes at Tuttle Family Dentistry.
Using CEREC, you can get a dental crown in a single visit, unlike lab-made crowns, which must be built at an offsite lab and sent back to our office for final placement. Lab-made crowns take at least 2 appointments and require patients to wear a temporary crown for 2-3 weeks while the final crown is made.
With CEREC you can skip the wait and completely restore a damaged or decayed tooth in just a few hours at our Colorado Springs dental office. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and get started right away.
With CEREC technology you can get immediate care, which is particularly helpful if you are experiencing a dental emergency. If you break a tooth or lose a dental crown, give us a call at (719) 282-6636 to schedule an appointment and restore your smile immediately. This gives you relief from your pain and discomfort and helps prevent further complications.
We use an advanced 3D scanner to take digital images of your teeth and bite, eliminating the need for messy putty-based impressions. The CEREC process is also much more convenient if you have a busy schedule because it only takes a single 1-2 hour appointment to restore your tooth.
To begin the process, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed. You can also choose to be sedated if you would like. Your doctor will then remove any damaged enamel from your tooth, and scan it using a hand-held 3D CEREC scanner.
The scan from this device will then be uploaded into a computer, where your CEREC crown will be designed by your dentist. Once the design has been finalized, a small piece of tooth-colored porcelain is loaded into an automated milling machine in our office. This machine follows the design instructions to sculpt a porcelain crown out of the block in just a few minutes.
Finally, your dentist will remove the dental crown from the CEREC machine and make sure it fits your tooth. If the fit is perfect, it will be bonded into place permanently with dental cement to complete the procedure.
Although CEREC crowns are faster, more comfortable, and less invasive than lab-made crowns, we recognize that some people may still be nervous about getting a dental crown. That's why we offer sedation for all of our patients in Colorado Springs!
Our options included gas-based nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation and pill-based oral conscious sedation. Each type of sedation has different advantages and drawbacks, and you will need to consult with our team to discuss your health history before being approved for sedation. Contact us today to get started and ensure your continued comfort during your visit.
We use a numbing agent during crown placement to ensure you won't feel a thing during the procedure. The numbing effects will last for several hours after your treatment. We recommend that you wait for the effects to wear off before eating or drinking hot liquids to avoid accidental injury.
Once your mouth is no longer numb it's important to avoid foods that are especially hard, sticky, or crunchy for the first 48 hours. During this time the dental cement holding the crown in place is still hardening.
Temporary tooth sensitivity may be a side effect that lasts for up to 2 weeks. Sensitivity can result from inflammation caused by the drilling of your enamel in preparation for your crown. This will subside but in the meantime you can use anti-inflammatory pain medication for immediate relief.
Same-day crowns are made out of durable ceramic materials, but they can still be damaged without the proper care. Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent oral health problems.
You will need to brush your teeth and crown at least twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste and floss around the crown at least once a day. Visiting the dentist every 6 months will ensure you prevent tooth decay and gum disease and that your crown stays in good shape. Your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO can let you know if they notice any damage or if the crown is due for replacement.
CEREC crowns are highly aesthetic restorations, as they are made of tooth-colored ceramic which mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. CEREC crowns are also much faster and require just a single appointment for impressions, fabrication, and placement.
Lab-made crowns require multiple appointments and long waiting times because an outside dental lab creates the dental crown. While you wait for your permanent restoration, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth.
When you choose a same-day crown, there’s no need for a temporary restoration, because everything is done in a single appointment. This eliminates many of the costs associated with additional office visits, materials, and dental lab fees.
We’re able to use digital scans to create a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth so there’s no need to wear uncomfortable putty around your teeth to take physical impressions. Our software and 3D printer are highly advanced pieces of technology that craft your crown with precision for perfect fit.
CEREC crowns have a comparable lifespan to lab-made crowns, and can last up to 15 years depending on their location and how well you care for them. To help your crowns look their best for as long as possible, avoid staining foods and drinks as well as the use of tobacco products.
If you grind your teeth, you may not be a good candidate for CEREC crowns unless you can commit to wearing a night guard to sleep every night. Avoid abrasive dental products and hard bristle toothbrushes. Limit your consumption of hard and sticky foods which can cause damage over time and don’t chew on your nails or use your teeth to open packages.
Find Out If Same-Day Crowns Are Right For You
Interested in improving your smile and repairing damaged teeth? Give us a call at Tuttle Family Dentistry to schedule a CEREC crown consultation with Dr. Bryant or Dr. Tuttle.