When Would a Dentist Recommend CEREC?

CEREC® machines allow dentists to design and fabricate custom dental restorations as their patients wait in a dental chair. This treatment option enables dentists to fit the finished product in a single visit. In today’s world, the convenience of combining dental procedures is a huge selling point for same-day restorations.

Imagine the time savings if you could get a root canal and a permanent crown in a single dentist’s appointment. Of course, people with tight schedules or fearing the dentist would happily merge the two procedures. If this sounds good, keep reading to learn if CEREC is a good fit for you.

The process of same-day restorations with CEREC

Dentists who lack in-office fabrication systems rely on external dental labs for restorations. However, restorations could take up to two weeks to get back to the clinic. In the meantime, their patients have to settle for temporary restorations as they wait for permanent ones.

Having an in-office milling system streamlines the process. Here is how same-day CEREC restorations work:

• The dentist evaluates their patient’s tooth or teeth. They might recommend x-rays if the patient’s situation requires them.
• If the patient has a problem like tooth decay, the dentist will administer an anesthetic and treat the tooth.
• Next, the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the tooth.
• They use an intra-oral scanner to take pictures of the patient’s teeth.
• The scanner feeds the images into a computer that runs CEREC software.
• CEREC’s modeling module will use the scans to create a 3D image of the patient’s smile.
• The dentist uses the digital model to design a crown that blends perfectly with the patient’s smile.
• They will incorporate their patient’s feedback before sending the design to CEREC’s milling module, much like a person would ‘send’ a document to the printer.
• CEREC’s milling machine will carve the restoration using the design as a basis.
• Lastly, the dentist will fit the restoration.

The success of any dental restoration rests on the dentist’s ability to form an accurate diagnosis. It also depends on the skill and precision of the dentist across all stages of the CEREC process. Reasons a dentist might recommend CEREC include:

1. CEREC is suitable for cosmetic dental work

A patient with an otherwise healthy tooth could upgrade their smile with same-day restorations. It comes down to the fact that healthy teeth with cosmetic problems only require fitting cosmetic restorations. The simplicity of such procedures lends itself to CEREC restorations.

2. Patients with a phobia of the dentist are good candidates for same-day restorations

Anyone who has to dig deep to find the courage to see the dentist is a good candidate for CEREC. Their dentist will combine in-depth evaluation, treatment, and restoration placement into a single procedure.

3. Patients with tight schedules

In a fast-paced world, getting time off for one day, let alone two is hard. A dentist may recommend same-day restorations to patients with time constraints.

Treatment duration with CEREC restorations

Perhaps the most attractive benefit of CEREC is the convenience it offers patients. The CEREC machine takes between four to 20 minutes to complete the production of a new custom dental restoration. Considering that it takes a dental lab two to three weeks to make dental crowns for a patient, CEREC is a more attractive option. The total time required to make a CEREC crown from start to finish and place it in the patient’s mouth can be as fast as two hours. Even busy patients can undergo the procedure after work before heading home.

Post-treatment and recovery

Patients are usually given a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. After the procedure, the numbness may take a while to wear off, and the patient’s lips and tongue may feel odd. Practitioners advise patients to avoid chewing motions and consuming hot foods or drinks until the numbness dissipates completely.

Patients should also avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods for at least a day or two after the procedure to avoid damaging or displacing the restoration. During this time, the adhesive used to hold the new CEREC is still hardening. It is normal for the teeth to feel slightly sensitive after the treatment. The patient may experience minor discomfort when eating hot, cold, or sweet drinks. However, over-the-counter pain relievers can help minimize discomfort.

CEREC restorations are long-lasting and highly durable with proper care and maintenance. The best way to ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the restoration is to abide by a strict and solid oral care routine. This care routine involves brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups.

Restore the look of your smile in a matter of hours

We pride ourselves on creating brilliant smiles that deserve to be displayed on billboards. Our dentist uses a CEREC system that delivers same-day restorations. Give us a call or visit our Kennewick clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gledhilldental.com or call Gledhill Dental at (509) 800-8410 for an appointment in our Kennewick office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: CEREC Dentist in Kennewick, WA.