27 Mar CEREC – Welcome to the same-day crown experience at Boulton Dental
What is a CEREC, and how does it work?
CEREC stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics”. It is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment built with state-of-the-art technology, which allows the dentist to make same-day crowns for the patient with pinpoint accuracy.
The dentist will take a 3D scan of the tooth and mouth (eliminating the need for those messy impressions) and then transfers the data to the machine via Wi-Fi.
The machine then manufactures an incredibly accurate crown based on the 3D image the dentist has taken of your tooth & mouth. A block of ceramic is placed into the unit, and the unit then mills the crown while you wait — approximately 20 minutes.
Will my CEREC crown look natural?
Once the crown has been milled in the CEREC machine, it is then transferred to a unit where it is stained, varnished, and fired in a mill to seal it and to create the colour and anatomy of a natural and realistic looking tooth.
CEREC crowns are a solid block of ceramic. This means, like other crowns, they are not porcelain fused to metal or have a metal core. This means no dark ring exposed around the base of the tooth that you may see in older crowns. This makes for a much more aesthetic, natural-looking crown.
Why would a tooth need a CEREC crown?
- Repairing and strengthening broken or fractured teeth
- Part of a dental bridge
- To be placed on top of a dental implant
- When tooth decay is too extensive for a filling to adequately fix
- Ideally after root canal treatment to strengthen the tooth.
Is a temporary crown needed?
No, a temporary crown is not needed. Previously, you were without a crown on the tooth for 10+ days. Therefore, a temporary crown was needed to ensure you were not going without in this time — functionally and aesthetically. With CEREC, as your crown is placed on the same day – usually 1.5 hours later, so there is no need for a temporary crown.
How long will my appointment take?
The first appointment to prepare the tooth (remove the old crown, remove the old filling, reduce the current tooth) and 3D imaging will take approximately 70 minutes. An hour and a half later (or whenever suits),you will come back on for the crown to be cemented, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
How much does a CEREC cost?
A CEREC crown costs approximately $2,200. However, item numbers on your treatment plan are provided prior to your appointment, so you can check with your health fund provider about their contribution towards this fee.
Will it hurt?
No. Prior to having the tooth prepared, your dentist will administer local anesthetic to ensure the tooth and surrounding tissues are numb prior to preparation. Placement of the crown itself is not painful, however, if you are concerned, your dentist can administer more dental anesthetic if needed.
I need a new bridge, is a CEREC an option?
Yes. CEREC makes crowns and bridges, an option for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth.
How long will it last?
CEREC crowns typically last anywhere between 10 to 15 years. It is important for patients to have their crowns reviewed by the dentist at least every 6-12months. Keeping excellent oral hygiene will help keep the CEREC fresh and can increase the lifespan of the crown.
I have a sensitive gag reflex. Is CEREC a good option for me?
Yes. Having a crown done with the CEREC machine means that no impressions are required.
The CEREC machine uses impressions that are done digitally using a camera.
Contact Boulton Dental for more information about CEREC same-day crowns!
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