Dealing with a damaged tooth can be inconvenient. It can sometimes require multiple trips to the dental office, each of which disrupts your regular schedule and routine. Our team at Shin Dentistry knows that between preparing the tooth, wearing a temporary crown, and returning for a final fitting, the process can take up valuable time in your schedule. But there’s a more direct way to repair your smile, and we want to show it to you.
A CEREC dental crown offers a complete, custom-made tooth restoration in just one appointment. This approach uses innovative technology to design, create, and place your durable, natural-looking crown in a single visit, helping you get back to your life sooner.
What Is a CEREC Same-Day Crown?
How This Crown Is Different
Unlike traditional crowns that are made in an outside lab, a CEREC crown is created right in the dental office. This means you can get your restoration in 1 visit rather than multiple. Another bonus is that the process uses precise digital scans, so you don’t have to deal with the messy impression trays.
When You Might Need a Crown
A dental crown acts like a protective cap for a tooth that needs extra support. You might need a crown if a tooth is weak or damaged, as it can help improve its shape, size, and strength while blending in with your other teeth.
There are a few situations when a crown might be necessary, including but not limited to:
- To fix a broken or cracked tooth
- To protect a tooth after a root canal treatment
- To replace a large, weak filling
The 1-Visit Crown Process
Your Appointment Step-by-Step
Your journey to a new crown is streamlined into a few simple stages. The entire process happens in 1 appointment, making it a convenient option for restoring your tooth. You can relax in the chair while your custom crown is made.
- Prepare tooth and scan: The dental team prepares your natural tooth and takes a quick digital scan. A 3D image of your tooth appears on a screen, no impressions needed.
- Digital design: The technology helps design a custom crown that fits your bite and matches your smile. You can see the digital model of your new tooth before it’s even made.
- Create and place: An in-office machine carves your new crown from a small block of tooth-coloured ceramic. Once ready, the crown is polished and securely bonded to your tooth.
Benefits and Considerations of CEREC
Why You Might Choose a Same-Day Crown
The main benefit of a same-day crown is convenience. You save time by completing the whole process in 1 visit. Since your final crown is placed immediately, you don’t need to wear a temporary one. It’s also designed to blend in with your natural smile by matching the colour of your other teeth.
Points to Discuss with Your Dentist
A CEREC crown is a great solution for many situations, but it’s good to talk about your specific needs. A conversation with your dentist can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Your dentist in Stouffville can review all your options.
Some of the factors you and your dentist may discuss could be:
- Material suitability for your specific tooth
- How a crown fits with your long-term dental goals
- A review of all available restoration options
How to Care for Your New Dental Crown
Tips for a Durable Restoration
Your new crown is strong, but proper care helps it last. Treat it just like you would your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene at home and regular professional cleanings are the foundation for a healthy smile.
Our top tips for caring for your crown include:
- Brush and floss around the crown every day
- Avoid chewing on very hard items like ice or hard candy
- Attend your regular dental exams and cleanings
Your CEREC Questions Answered
How Long Can a CEREC Crown Last?
Though a crown’s lifespan varies from person to person, with proper care, a CEREC crown can last for many years. How long it lasts depends on your personal oral habits, your bite, and regular dental checkups. How you care for your teeth at home makes a big difference in how long any restoration lasts.
Comfort and the CEREC Procedure
Your comfort is a priority during any dental procedure. The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel discomfort while the tooth is prepared. Some people experience mild sensitivity for a day or 2 afterward, which is normal and is usually temporary.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have a damaged tooth and want a solution that fits your busy life, a same-day crown may be an option. To learn more, our team at Shin Dentistry would be happy to talk with you about your options. Schedule a consultation and see how you can restore your smile in just one visit.
