The traditional process for designing and fabricating a dental crown usually requires multiple dental visits spread out over two or three weeks. Needless to say, many patients find the process to be cumbersome and time-consuming. Fortunately, modern technology offers a much faster solution: CEREC crowns in Abington. The entire process takes place in a single appointment! In this blog post, we will discuss what is involved in the CEREC process and how long you can expect your appointment to be.
The CEREC Process
Here is a breakdown of how the CEREC process works:
- Your dentist prepares your tooth to receive the crown. This usually involves removing a bit of enamel so the tooth will fit well beneath its restoration.
- The dental team uses advanced scanning technology to create a three-dimensional, digital impression of your teeth.
- Your dentist uses the digital impression, along with advanced software, to design your crown. Then, an in-house milling unit immediately begins to carve the crown out of a single piece of dental-grade porcelain.
- Once the crown is ready, your dentist verifies its fit and then permanently attaches it to your tooth.
How Long Does It Take?
Although the CEREC process is much faster than that for creating a traditional crown, it does still take a bit of time. To be on the safe side, you should clear at least a few hours out of your schedule for your CEREC appointment. Your dental team will work quickly to get your new crown ready as soon as possible, but they will also need time to ensure that your restoration is a perfect fit for your tooth.
Advantages of CEREC Crowns
The CEREC process can save you time and spare you from making multiple trips to your dentist’s office. But the fast nature of this procedure is only one of its many advantages. Additional benefits include:
- There is no need for you to wear a temporary crown while a laboratory creates your permanent one.
- CEREC crowns are just as durable and comfortable as ones made in a dental laboratory. With proper care, your crown could last for 10 – 15 years or longer.
- Because they are made out of porcelain rather than metal, CEREC crowns look very natural in the mouth. In fact, they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- The process of taking a digital impression is much more comfortable and quicker than that of taking a manual impression. Digital impressions also tend to be more precise than their traditional counterparts.
Do you suspect that you will soon need a dental crown? Choosing a dentist who offers CEREC restorations could prove to be a major time-saver!
Meet the Practice
Dr. E. Michael Thomas Jr. has been serving Abington families as a general and cosmetic dentist for more than 40 years. Throughout his accomplished career, he has kept up with the latest advancements in dental technology, including one-visit restorations. He works alongside the other talented doctors in our practice to provide truly comprehensive care. To learn more about our team and our services, contact us at 781-878-2190.