Same Day Crowns and Bridges
Crowns created and placed in a single visit, using advanced digital technology
Benefits of Same-Day CEREC Crowns:
Speed: The entire process is completed in one visit, typically within a few hours.
Comfort: No more temporary crowns or messy impressions
Convenience: The patient avoids the hassle of multiple appointments
Precision: Digital impressions and CAD design ensure a precise fit for the crown.
With CEREC technology, patients can leave the office the same day with a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing crown.
** Disclaimer: Not all cases qualify for same day dentistry. There are many factors that may result in crowns needing to be sent to a lab
Step By Step Process for Creating a Same Day Crown or Bridge
1. Evaluation
Patient Evaluation: We first conduct a thorough examination to determine if the tooth is a suitable candidate for a CEREC crown.
Itra Oral and Extra oral Exam: Looking at digital x-rays and evaluating inside the mouth to help identify potential problems and determine the best options
2. Tooth Preparation
Removing Damaged Tissue: Decay or damaged portions of the tooth are removed to create a stable base for the crown.
Placing a Filling (Core Build-up): When a tooth is severely decayed or fractured, it may lose enough structure that it can’t support a crown on its own. A core build-up provides the necessary foundation for the crown.
Shaping the Tooth: The tooth is shaped to fit the crown, with enough reduction of the original tooth structure to allow for proper fit and strength of the new crown.
3. Digital Impressions
Optical Scan: Using a small handheld camera, we take digital impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding area. This scan is precise and does not require messy impression materials.
Creating the 3D Model: The CEREC system uses the scan to create a 3D model of the tooth, which will be used for designing the crown.
4. Crown Design
CAD Software: The 3D model is sent to the CEREC CAD software, where we design the crown right there in the office. The software allows us to adjust the size, shape, and occlusion (bite) of the crown for a perfect fit.
Customization: The crown is designed to match the natural shape and color of the patient’s teeth, ensuring a natural look.
5. Milling the Crown
Material Selection: CEREC crowns are typically made from ceramic or porcelain materials that are durable and aesthetically pleasing. The exact type of material will be determined by many factors including, esthetic concerns, location in the mouth, the bite etc.
Milling Process: The design is sent to a milling machine, which creates the crown from a block of ceramic or porcelain. This step typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the crown or bridge design.
6. Fitting and Adjustment
Crown Trial: Once the crown is milled, we check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the crown fits properly on the tooth and that the bite is correct.
Color Matching: If necessary, the crown can be stained or glazed to match the natural color of the surrounding teeth.
7. Firing the Crown in the oven
Sintering Process: The crown is placed in a dental oven where it undergoes a series of controlled heating steps to achieve its final physical properties. This step can take anywhere between 18-25 minutes depending on the size and type of material.
8. Cementing the Crown
Final Fitting: We check the crown one final time for fit, comfort, and aesthetics.
Bonding: Once everything is perfect, we then cement the crown onto the prepared tooth, using a strong dental adhesive.
Final Check and X-ray: We then check the occlusion again to ensure the patient’s bite is aligned properly and that the crown does not interfere with the bite. A final X-ray is taken to ensure all of the cement is removed outside of the crown and that the crown is seated properly.