With a CEREC crown, your dentist can restore the size, shape, and appearance of your damaged tooth in just one visit. However, before the restoration can be placed, the tooth in question will need to be prepared first. To help make sure that you’re ready for your CEREC appointment, here are the steps your dentist will follow to get your tooth ready for your crown as well as what you can expect to happen afterward.
Step 1: Examining the Mouth
Before any sort of crown can be placed, your dentist will need to learn as much as they can about the tooth in question. As such, they will capture a number of X-rays. In addition to examining the visible parts of the tooth, they will also take a look at its roots and the bone tissue around it.
Step 2: Numbing the Mouth
For any type of dental treatment, your comfort will be a top priority. Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the part of your mouth where the tooth receiving the crown is located. The goal is to numb your mouth so that you don’t experience any discomfort during the next step of preparations.
Step 3: Filing Down the Tooth
Your dentist will gently file away a small amount of enamel from the top and sides of the tooth. This is done to ensure that there is plenty of room for your new crown to fit properly. Without this step, the restoration could end up interfering with the alignment of your bite.
What Happens Once the Tooth Has Been Prepared?
Once the tooth is ready, your dentist can move forward with the process of making and placing your CEREC crown. This involves the following steps:
- The mouth is digitally scanned, allowing your dentist to create a virtual model of your tooth.
- Special software is used to determine the correct size and shape for your crown.
- Once the crown has been designed, a milling device creates it by sculpting a block of ceramic material.
- Your dentist checks the crown carefully to see if any adjustments need to be made, then anchors it to your tooth using a special dental cement.
Thanks to the CEREC system, you can receive a lifelike, reliable dental crown on the same day that you have your tooth prepared. If you have any questions or concerns about the steps that will need to be taken before you can receive your crown, just let your dentist know.
About the Author
Dr. Malcolm J. Murray has more than 15 years of dental experience. He has earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery and AEGD certification from the Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia. He is able to offer his patients same-day crowns thanks to state-of-the-art CEREC technology. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Murray at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Fairfax, visit his website or call (703) 934-5540.
