So, is summer less busy than the rest of the year? No! Between work and the kids’ activities, you’re as busy now as you during the rest of the year. And now Dr. Vacek tells you that it’s time to put a dental crown on that cracked tooth he’s been keeping any eye on for a while. Not to worry. With CEREC same-day crowns, your dentist in Waverly will have you out of the dentist’s chair in time to rush off to your—um, the kids’—next activity.
What is CEREC?
CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is an advanced dental technology that allows Dr. Vacek to produce same-day crowns and other restorations such as inlays, onlays and even a veneer right here in our office. The system consists of three components. The first is a digital infrared camera that we use to get a very clear image of the tooth that needs repair. That image is forward to the second component, CEREC’s computer loaded with 3D CAD software that designs your crown. Last is the CEREC milling unit where your restoration is made.
Without CEREC, having a crown or any other type of restoration always necessitated making an impression, requiring you to sit with a tray full of goop in your mouth. This annoying step is eliminated with CEREC’s camera and computer, which take the place of a molded impression and provide a more precise virtual and 3D representation of your tooth.
What’s the CEREC Procedure Like?
Your Waverly dentist will begin your appointment for a CEREC one-visit crown by anesthetizing your tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Then, if there is decay in the tooth that will be removed. Dr. Vacek will also slightly reshape your tooth to make room for the crown. Whether you’re having a CEREC or traditional crown, a small portion of tooth structure must be removed so the restoration fits comfortably between your adjacent teeth. We also don’t want the crown to feel too high when you bite down.
After prepping the tooth, we take another picture with the CEREC camera. The computer uses this to design a restoration that fits perfectly against the new shape of your tooth. This design is forwarded to the milling unit where your permanent crown is made in only 15 to 20 minutes. Carved from a solid block of ceramic, your new restoration is strong and instantly ready to be adhesively bonded on top of your tooth. In just a matter of a couple of hours you have a new and functional tooth that indistinguishable from the others in your smile.
Contact Our Office to Learn More about CEREC
If you would like more information about the CEREC system, we’ll be happy to answer your questions over the phone or schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Vacek. Call our office today!