Dental crowns are a multitasker in the field of dentistry, used for everything from holding a dental bridge in place to restoring a tooth after a root canal. One of the most common reasons you might need a crown is when a tooth has more damage or decay than can be repaired by a filling—crowns allow us to remove all of the compromised areas and protect the remaining tooth structure. No matter why you need a crown, one of the best options available is a CEREC same-day crown.
What Is a CEREC Same-Day Crown?
CEREC crowns are an innovative solution that uses CAD and CAM technology to create a restoration that has the strength, function, and appearance of a natural tooth. An intraoral camera is used to capture three-dimensional images of your tooth, which allows us to match its shape and size so it interacts properly with adjacent teeth. For crowns needed due to decay, we then prepare your tooth by removing the damaged areas and take additional digital impressions to make sure your crown fits securely on your prepared tooth.
CEREC’s sophisticated software allows us to design your crown on our computer. The completed design is sent to our in-office milling machine, which fabricates your restoration from a block of tooth-colored ceramic material. We bond the crown to your tooth and the process is complete. Your entire appointment takes about two hours.
The Cost of CEREC Same-Day Crowns in Cupertino, CA
With a process that is so much faster than that of traditional dental crowns, you might expect CEREC crowns to be more expensive, perhaps even out of your price range. Surprisingly, the cost of CEREC same-day crowns is about the same as a traditional crown, depending on the materials being compared. Because there’s only one appointment needed for same-day crowns and no outside dental laboratory involved, the price ends up being comparable.
Dental insurance plans have the same benefits for same-day crowns that they have for traditional crowns. The cost varies depending on the complexity of the situation, but we will always quote the final cost before beginning any treatment.
Advantages of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
If CEREC crowns can be made in a single two-hour office visit, how can they be as strong and durable as traditional crowns?
We hear this question a lot, but rest assured, today’s same-day crown technology exceeds the quality of traditional crowns. CEREC restorations are strong, durable, and realistic, making them an excellent option for most patients.
Expediting the process of getting a crown isn’t just a convenience factor—it also minimizes the risk of complications. With a traditional crown, there’s usually a three week waiting time between the appointment in which your tooth is prepared for your crown and when your crown is ready to be placed. During this period, you would be given a temporary crown, but these restorations have the potential to loosen or even fall out, sometimes causing damage to your teeth in the process. Bacteria can seep under a temporary crown, causing future decay. By eliminating the need for a temporary crown, CEREC crowns help ensure long-term oral health.
Learn More About CEREC Same-Day Crowns in Cupertino, CA
Are you interested in getting a CEREC same-day crown? Contact us today at 408-996-8595 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Senft.