If you’ve been scheduled to get your first dental crown, you may be wondering what to expect from the procedure, especially if you’ve never had one before. Thankfully, the process is quite simple and can be done in just one visit. Here’s everything you need to know about your upcoming CEREC same-day crown treatment!
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a large filling that instead of being filled inside your tooth, fits over it like a cap. With CEREC, your restoration is made of porcelain right in your dentist’s office during your appointment. It can be customized to your individual mouth, so it blends in with the rest of your teeth in shape, size, and even shade. Crowns can be used to fix cavities, cracks or breaks, and even during a root canal procedure.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
Getting a crown may seem like a mysterious and complicated process, but the truth is, it’s quite straightforward and easy. Here’s how it works:
- First, your dentist will scan your mouth with a device that can generate a 3D model of your damaged tooth and surrounding teeth. This is what is used to customize the crown.
- Next you will receive anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area in preparation for the removal of the damage.
- When your mouth is numb, your dentist will remove the decayed portions of the tooth, reshaping the underlying structure to accommodate the crown.
- While this is happening, your dentist will send the specific measurements from the digital images of your tooth to the machine that mills your crown. Using CAD/CAM the prosthetic then goes to a milling device to sculpt it out of a ceramic block that matches the model of your tooth.
- Finally, once the CEREC crown is ready, your dentist will attach it to the prepared tooth with dental cement. You can then go enjoy your newly restored smile! Your new crown will not only look perfectly natural, but it will also be fully functional, and you may begin using it to eat again immediately after your appointment.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Thankfully, caring for your new dental crown is easy. In fact, you can do so by treating it just like one of your natural teeth. Just brush them twice a day, floss once a day, and continue seeing your dentist twice a year for your regular, biannual dental checkup and cleaning appointments. While the crown itself cannot get cavities, the underlying tooth can, because bacteria and plaque can make their way underneath it if you don’t keep it clean. In fact, a tooth with a crown still carries nearly the same risk of getting them as an untreated tooth. Furthermore, never use your crown as a tool; no biting your nails, crunching ice, or using it to tear open packaging.
Remember, a dental crown is nothing to be afraid of. The procedure is relatively fast, comfortable, and can help protect your natural teeth from damage that could otherwise eventually lead to tooth loss. If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming treatment, speak to your dentist for more information.
About Our Practice
Chardon Smile Center knows that you and your family lead busy lives, that’s why we offer convenient services like CEREC same day crowns. Our skilled team of dentists understand that repairing a damaged tooth shouldn’t require a lengthy waiting period and are proud to be able to restore your smile in just one appointment.
If you have a damaged tooth that requires a crown or another restoration, don’t waste time waiting around for a traditional, lab-created prosthetic. Visit Chardon Smile Center for a CEREC same-day crown today.
To book your appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 440-286-2474.