CEREC Single visit restorations

Before and After

Traditional Crowns Procedure

Traditionally, a crown is made in a dental lab, which mean that as a patient, getting a crown takes 2 visits. One visit to anesthetize the tooth, preparation, take an impression and make a temporary crown. This can take about 1 hour total time. About 2 weeks later, the patient will return for the second visit for the crown delivery. Sometimes the patient will need to get anesthetize again before we can cement the crown and this appointment can take about 1/2 hour.

CEREC-Same day crowns

CEREC stands for Ceramic Reconstructions. CEREC crowns are made using CAD technology which takes a 3D image of the tooth and transfers it to a milling machine. The milling unit will fabricated your crown or inlay or implant crown in about 20 minutes. The entire procedure will take about 2 hours depending on the materials used. Since the crowns are made in our office, there is no need to make a temporary, take impressions and getting anesthesia for the second visit.

CEREC crowns are both natural looking and strong because we can use a solid block of eMax or Zirconia material. Both materials have shown excellent biocompatibility in clinical studies.

CEREC crowns are convenience since it takes only 1 visit. Patients do not have to wear a temporary crown or get anesthetize again for the second visit.

Depending on the materials we use, we can see inside the crown since it is semi-translucent on radiographs. This advantage allows the dentist to detect caries inside the crowns. Traditional crown appears radiopaque on radiographs and the dentist usually has to remove the crown if he or she feels that there may be decay inside the crown.

CEREC crowns' marginal accuracy and longevity are comparable to lab processed crowns as shown in clinical studies.

Depending on the patient's dentition or tooth position, if we cannot capture a good 3D image, we cannot fabricate a CEREC crown. We will have to use the traditional method of crown fabrication using a dental laboratory.

If you are interested in learning more about CEREC crowns, please give our office a call at 925-846-6308. We are located in the Hacienda Business Park in Pleasanton, CA.

Dr. Tran and Staff at Alisal Dental Care will love to help you.