Bemidji Dental Clinic Offers CEREC Restorations (Same day crowns)
Crowns are one of our most common, reliable restorations available. CEREC technology allows us to offer beautiful, strong, custom-made same day crowns in just one visit to our office. Traditional crowns often require at least two visits to the dental office – but we can do it in just one! Read on to learn more about CEREC technology and how it can help you get the strong, beautiful restoration you need.
Why might I need a dental crown?
Crowns are specially designed pieces of porcelain (or other material) that are used to restore damaged teeth. You may need a crown if you have a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, if you have had a root canal recently, if you have a large filling that is failing, or to treat cosmetic issues. Ask your dentist if a crown is the best solution for your particular issue.
What is CEREC?
CEREC is a special type of machine that is used just for creating crowns. Instead of using the usual wax molds for taking impressions for your crown, we use CEREC and take impressions digitally. CEREC stands for CEramic REConstruction. Simply put, it means our doctors can restore damaged teeth fast and effectively using a durable ceramic material that matches the natural color of your other teeth.
Other types of crowns are sometimes made with a metallic base and a porcelain overlay. Our CEREC crowns are all porcelain. That means you will never see any metal peeking out from your gumline. In some cases, we will use precious metals or zirconia inside the crown for strength and stability.
Your specific situation will determine what is necessary. Ask your doctor if our traditional porcelain crown will work for you, or if you will need some kind of reinforcement material. Either way, we will work with you to get you the durable, beautiful crown you need.
The CEREC® Procedure
The beauty of a CEREC restoration is just that — its beauty. Unlike unsightly silver dental fillings, CEREC fillings or restorations are made of tooth-colored ceramic (porcelain) so they look natural. A CEREC procedure requires less time, less drilling and fewer injections, too. It might sound too good to be true, but if you doubt that such good-looking restorations can be made in your dentist’s office in just three easy steps, CEREC will put some optimism back into those doubts.
Typical CEREC procedure process:
- Exam and Preparation — Your dentist examines your teeth, decides on the preparation method and starts prepping your teeth (removing the tooth decay).
- Optical Impression — An optical impression (picture) of the prepared tooth is taken.
- Restoration Creation — After taking your digital impressions, we will create your new tooth filling, dental crown or veneers using our in-office CEREC milling machine. Your new dental restoration is then finalized in our in-house lab to match exactly the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Our patients are always pleased with the appearance!! Once the restoration is finished, your doctor will bond it into place. This does not take long, meaning you can leave our office with your work completed that day! No more waiting weeks for the lab. CEREC allows you to have a beautiful, durable restoration in just one day.