Manhattan, KS -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2015 -- Getting a dental crown used to require at least two appointments, but not anymore. With the debut of CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), it now takes only one appointment to get a crown placed.
Here is a brief summary of how crowns were completed before CEREC: During the first appointment, the decayed and weakened parts of the tooth are removed so a temporary crown can be placed. The patient has to keep this temporary crown on while waiting for the off-site laboratory to make the permanent crown, which can take two weeks. When it is completed, another appointment is required so that the permanent crown can be placed for a final fitting.
Today, however, CEREC has made things much more convenient for patients at Dentistry By Design. CEREC is a system that uses CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/manufacturing technology). First, a special, highly precise camera makes digital impressions of the teeth. Next, the CEREC machine drafts the design of the crown based on these digital images, even matching the color exactly with the shade of the patients' natural teeth. Finally, a milling unit churns out the crown precisely as it was programmed into the machine. The natural-looking, strong, and well-fitting crown is rendered in about 10 to 20 minutes.
"One of the best things about CEREC is our patients no longer have to get their impressions done by putting impression 'goop' into their mouths, waiting for it to harden, and then pulling it out," says Dr. Gilsdorf, "They usually don't like that because it feels like all their teeth are coming out too!"
CEREC technology can also be used to create veneers, inlays and onlays, reducing the time and money spent on these treatments as well. For a patient getting a crown, an entire session typically lasts less than two hours.
About Dr. Gilsdorf
Dr. Gilsdorf is committed to keeping abreast of the latest developments in the dental universe. He completes over 100 hours of continuing education courses each year.
To make an appointment with Dentistry By Design, call (785) 370-0940.