Dental crowns are protective caps that fit over a tooth or dental implant to restore its appearance and function. A crown is meant to be a permanent restoration, though occasionally, it may become loose or fall out. If a dental crown falls out, visit your dentist for a replacement as soon as possible to avoid damage to the tooth underneath.

When are They Recommended?

Dental crowns are recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be fixed with a filling but not so damaged that the tooth needs to be pulled. There are many situations when a dental crown may be recommended, including:

• After a root canal treatment
• To strengthen a weak or broken tooth
• To protect a tooth that is at risk of breaking due to a large cavity
• To cover and support a dental implant post
• To support a tooth with a large filling
• To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
• After braces are removed, to cover imperfections in the smile

This scenario is sometimes referred to as “One Day Dentistry” because the process can be completed in one appointment instead of multiple visits. 

The CEREC Process Explained

A CEREC crown is a restoration that is completed in just one appointment at our Hendricks Family Dentistry office. It’s a great option for anyone needing to restore a tooth but who doesn’t have the time for a temporary restoration and a return visit. It’s a restoration that can last for over 10 years, so it may be used over your lifetime. Your dentist may recommend a CEREC crown if you have a cavity or crack in your tooth that needs to be repaired. The first step of the CEREC process is to prepare your teeth for restoration. To do this, your dentist will use a 3D scanning camera to take images of your tooth that will be used to design your permanent restoration. The next step is to remove the damaged tooth structure and decay using small handheld tools. Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist will design your restoration using our state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software while you wait. Once your restoration is designed, it will be sent to the milling machine, where your restoration will be milled out of ceramic material. The last step is to bond the restoration to your tooth using a durable adhesive. The restoration is bonded into position the same day, so you don’t have to wear a temporary one for weeks at a time.

Are CEREC Crowns Worth It?

CEREC crowns are a great option for patients who need a crown but don’t want to wait for days for it to be placed. This is thanks to CEREC technology, which allows us to create custom crowns in a single appointment. The procedure is very comfortable for the patient and allows them to leave our office with their new smile in about an hour!

CEREC crowns are also a great choice for patients who don’t like the feeling of temporary crowns being placed on their teeth. Temporary crowns can feel bulky in the mouth and also make it difficult to eat and speak. But CEREC crowns are completely customized to each patient and provide a better overall fit that looks and feels natural. This eliminates the need for another appointment to remove a temporary crown and place the permanent one in its place.

If you’re interested in finding out more about whether CEREC crowns in Brunswick, OH would be a good choice for you, visit Hendricks Family Dentistry at 4181 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212, or call 1-833-336-7533. We look forward to working with you and helping you get your best smile.