Same-Day Restorations with CEREC® Primescan

At Slager Family Dental Care, we are committed to providing you with the latest technology and procedures that our field has to offer and are excited to announce our ability to perform same-day restorations with our CEREC® scanner and mill system.

What is the CEREC®?

CEREC® stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics and is designed to expedite the process of dental restorations. Using 3D CAD/CAM technology (computer-assisted design/manufacturing), the CEREC® scanner and mill can create custom restorations within a few hours allowing you to receive your necessary restorations in the same day.

Benefits

Traditional restorations require messy molds and may cause patients to wait 2-3 weeks with a temporary crown before they receive their permanent restorations from 3rd party labs. 

However, CEREC® enables us to eliminate the need for uncomfortable dental impressions and temporary crowns as well as lessen your time spent in our office as we restore your tooth in a single day. 

How does CEREC® work?

As stated above, this system uses CAD/CAM to produce your restoration in three steps:

  • Scanning and imaging – Using a medical-grade scanner equipped with a high-quality camera, the device captures photographs of the area to create a 3D representation of your mouth and the affected area
  • Designing the restoration –The in-depth 3D model allows our dentist to examine the tooth from every angle to help them design the perfect prosthetic for your needs
  • Crafting the prosthetic – The CEREC® milling unit then uses your dentist’s design to cut your restoration from a block of porcelain that can be matched to your tooth color, so your prosthetics look beautiful and natural.

What is a typical appointment like?

Generally, same-day restorations take at least 2 hours. The initial stages of the appointment are similar to traditional restoration procedures. The area is numbed and anesthetized to prepare the tooth for restoration.

Instead of taking a mold or impression, your tooth is then coated in a special contrasting agent and photographs are taken using a wand-like scanner. The photos are then checked by your dentist to ensure accuracy and then uploaded into the system to create a 3D model of the area. The model is used to help your dentist design and customize your prosthetic to fit your individual needs. The finished design is transmitted to the milling unit for fabrication and cut from a high-quality piece of porcelain.

Once completed, you will undergo a fitting to ensure a proper fit that will be confirmed with x-rays. After the fit is established, the restoration is then polished and bonded to your tooth using dental cement.

How long do CEREC® restorations last?

With proper care and good oral hygiene practices, your CEREC® restoration will last as long as a traditional lab-made crown. These crowns have proven durability to last 10-15 years with proper management, cleaning, and oral exams every six months.

We are pleased to offer our valued patients same-day customized long-lasting restorations with our new CEREC® system. Though the cost of a crown can vary from patient to patient based on the case, the prices remain similar to that of traditional prosthetics. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office at (931) 526-4912.

Same-Day Crowns (CEREC) FAQs

What are same-day crowns (CEREC)?

Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are dental restorations designed, created, and placed in a single visit using advanced digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology.

How long does the CEREC crown procedure take?

The entire process typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing patients to receive their permanent crown in just one appointment.

Are same-day crowns as durable as traditional crowns?

Yes, CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that are strong, long-lasting, and comparable in durability to traditional lab-made crowns.

Do same-day crowns look natural?

CEREC crowns are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural appearance.

Is the CEREC procedure painful?

The procedure is generally comfortable and performed under local anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after treatment.

Do I still need a temporary crown?

No, one of the main benefits of same-day crowns is that there is no need for temporary crowns since the permanent crown is placed immediately.

How do I care for my same-day crown?

You can care for your CEREC crown just like your natural teeth by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups.

Who is a good candidate for same-day crowns?

Most patients needing a crown due to decay, damage, or cosmetic reasons are good candidates. Your dentist will evaluate your specific condition to determine suitability.