Do you want a fast way to restore your decayed or lost teeth? Same-Day Dental Crowns (CEREC) are for you. Gone are the days when getting a crown was considered a tedious procedure. Imagine having a damaged or lost tooth just before an important interview or family event in Belconnen, and being told that it’ll require several visits to replace it with a crown.
It can definitely be overwhelming for busy people in Macquarie, Bruce, and Kaleen who are trying to manage their work and personal life. At Macquarie Dental Care, we’re now offering our latest CEREC crowns technology, which has made it possible to replace broken or lost teeth with crowns in a single visit.
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. From explaining the wonders of this latest digital technology to its potential benefits as well as disadvantages, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know about CEREC same-day crowns.
What are CEREC Crowns?
Cerec crowns, or same-day crowns, are basically custom-made crowns that are designed, manufactured, and inserted during a single visit to your dentist’s office. This means you can walk out of your dentist’s clinic with your final crown in place on the same day. On the other hand, traditional or conventional crowns not only require several appointments and a long waiting time, but you’ll also need a temporary crown while you’re waiting for your permanent crown. Cerec crowns are now becoming popular among residents of Lawson and Weetangera because of precise digital technology and fast adaptability to normal chewing.
You can benefit from the same-day CEREC crowns in the following cases:
- To cover the tooth after root canal treatment
- Fractured or cracked teeth
- Carious teeth with big cavities where fillings frequently get dislodged
How Does CEREC Technology Work?
While the name sounds complicated, the reality is that it’s quite a simple and straightforward procedure. Computer software, CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture), is used to design and manufacture your crown. Other than crowns, it’s also used to make other restorations such as implants, bridges, and porcelain veneers. We’ll break down the whole procedure into simple steps:
- Examination: First of all, Dr. Sandeep Peddi or one of our expert team members will conduct a general examination of your mouth and teeth. You’ll probably need a basic check-up & clean of your teeth before the actual procedure can be started.
- Tooth Preparation: After examining, your dentist will prepare the tooth that requires restoration. This includes the removal of damaged and decayed tooth structure.
- Digital Impression: Next, the dentist will take a detailed 3D digital impression of the tooth using a small camera. This digital technology eliminates the need for manual impressions, which may become messy and uncomfortable for some patients in Aranda and Cook.
- Computer-generated Design: A computer is then used to design your crown using the latest and innovative CAD/CAM technology so that it’s as close to your natural tooth dimensions as possible.
- Milling (manufacturing process): The design is then sent to computer-controlled milling equipment, which precisely manufactures your crown according to your digital scan. The crown is manufactured from a solid ceramic block matching your natural tooth colour.
- Insertion: Lastly, your dentist will then do the final touch-ups before finally inserting the crown into your mouth using a dental cement. They are called same-day crowns because the entire procedure is completed in a single visit, typically taking only 1 to 2 hours.
Same-Day Crowns (CEREC) Vs. Conventional Crowns
| CEREC Crowns | Conventional Crowns |
| Digital impressions, which are far more convenient | Physical impressions taken manually, which can cause gagging in some patients |
| The whole procedure is performed at the clinic | Involves laboratory fabrication |
| Single visit | Requires several visits |
| No need for a temporary crown | A temporary crown is required |
| You get your crown immediately | You’ll have to wait for several days or even weeks |
| Very accurate and precise because digitally designed | Less accurate and may need more adjustments because of manual fabrication |
| Higher cost because the latest technology is used | More affordable |
Disadvantages of a CEREC Crown
Although very suitable, especially for busy people who can’t afford to take time off work for multiple visits, it comes with its own set of cons.
- Durability: CEREC crowns aren’t as durable as conventional crowns because they are made of ceramic only. Traditional crowns have a metal base under a ceramic layer, which adds strength and increases their longevity.
- Not Suitable for Complex Cases: In complex cases where the damage extends beyond the gum line, CEREC crowns can’t be used because it’ll be hard to take an accurate 3D scan. The best choice in such cases is conventional crowns.
- Not an Ideal Choice for Front Teeth: Since a matching single ceramic block is used to make them, Cerec crowns give a very natural or yellowish-white appearance, making them more appropriate for back teeth. Whereas, lab-fabricated conventional crowns are more suited for front teeth because they can be finely tailored in shade, enhancing aesthetics. Patients looking for cosmetic perfection on front teeth often choose teeth whitening or veneers instead.
Conclusion
To conclude, even though CEREC crowns are expected to cost you more because of the technology used, the value that many patients receive in terms of time saved is well worth the extra cost. Your dentist will be able to assist you in making a decision. Although the cost may be higher than the conventional crowns, CEREC same-day crown technology is still a very reliable and convenient approach for busy citizens of Evatt, Giralang, and McKellar to get a damaged tooth repaired without multiple dental visits. The combination of accurate digital imaging and on-site crown manufacture delivers a natural-looking restoration in a single visit.
If you’re thinking of restoring your decayed tooth with a crown and wondering if a CEREC crown will work for you, book your consultation with Macquarie Dental Care today. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Sandeep Peddi, provides specialised restorative care to patients across Belconnen, including Macquarie, Bruce, and Lawson.
If you are experiencing sudden tooth pain or a broken crown, our emergency dental services are available to get you out of pain quickly. Call us today or book your consultation online to schedule your visit.
