Beautiful Dental Crowns in Just One Day
Dental crowns are one of the best restorations for renewing teeth. However, most procedures that require custom crowns have to be put on hold for weeks, due to the amount of time it takes to have them made at a lab. This can cause patients to feel inconvenienced and even more stressed about their treatment. Fortunately, Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC®) has pioneered dental procedures by giving dentists like Dr. Kauffman the ability to create custom-made ceramic crowns in little time right here at our Atlanta office.
With CEREC, we can cut a lot of the lag time between procedures to restore your damaged teeth. This means that you can have a restored smile in as little as one appointment. Read more to learn how Dr. Kauffman can provide you with same-day crowns.
What Is the CEREC System?
The CEREC system is also referred to as a CAD-CAM system. CAD stands for “Computer Assisted Design” and CAM stands for “Computer Assisted Milling.” The technology uses computer design and a milling device to create custom-made restorations fast.
Below is more information on the three major components of the CEREC® system:
- Acquisition Device: A high-quality camera and medical grade computer is used to create three-dimensional images of the tooth you want restored. Your dentist uses that image to design your custom-made crown so that it matches your smile.
- Three-Dimensional CAD Software: This software lets your dentist look at your tooth from every angle by rotating it on screen. This will allow them to closely examine your tooth.
- Milling Device: This makes the crown based on the specifications from the acquisition device. Your dentist will choose a ceramic block that matches the color of the rest of your existing teeth. After a few minutes, the milling device will produce your restoration.
The Benefits of the CEREC System
CEREC can complete most procedures in just one appointment for our patients. Other advantages that our system provides include:
- Permanent and long lasting restorations
- Restorations that are less invasive and save more of your natural tooth
- Fewer injections resulting in less discomfort
- Fewer dental visits
- More cost-effective solution
- Biocompatible solutions
Same-day dental crowns may not be right for everyone. If you have a history of breaking these types of restorations or if you have a deep bite, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kauffman to learn whether CEREC is the best option for you.
The CEREC Restoration Procedure
Your dentist will first prepare your tooth before using CEREC by removing any decay that may already exist in your smile. A wall is then created to make the opening of the tooth wider than the actual base. Impressions will then be taken by using titanium dust to create a detailed photo of the tooth that is being restored.
Our camera will take those images and transpose it onto the computer screen, allowing your dentist to view the tooth from all angles to help design the crown. Finally, the completed design is transmitted to the milling unit and is ready to be made. Your dentist will then choose a ceramic block that matches your crown, so that your crown will blend with the rest of your teeth. This creates a beautiful, natural-looking smile that’s ready for any social situation.
The milling unit will then create the crown, onlay, overlay, or veneer within 15 minutes by using compressed porcelain. Once it’s finished, your dentist will check the dry restoration to ensure it properly fits and polish it afterwards. The restoration is affixed using dental cement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restorations that are created by our CEREC devices can last for more than 10 years with proper oral health maintenance. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash in-between meals. Depending on where the restoration is placed in your smile, it may need to be replaced earlier due to normal wear and tear.
The best way to determine whether same-day dental crowns are right for you is by scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Kauffman or one of our expert dentists. They’ll examine your teeth and oral health to create a treatment plan that’s customized to your dental needs. If you have any questions about dental crowns or our CEREC system, we recommend calling our Atlanta practice at (404) 524-1981.
Achieve a Beautiful Smile Today
Most dental procedures that require a custom restoration can take weeks to complete due to your specialist having to wait until they’re made at an outside lab. However, thanks to CEREC, Dr. Kauffman and our expert team can provide you with custom-made restorations such as dental crowns here at our office — potentially cutting your visits in half!
Want to experience the convenience of in-office dental crowns? Contact our Atlanta practice by calling (404) 524-1981 or by filling out an online form. Dr. Kauffman and our team proudly serve patients who reside in areas such as Oakland, South Downtown, and Cabbagetown.