We can provide same-day dental restorations with CEREC in Columbia, MD. This advanced dental technology known as Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing, or CAD/CAM, makes it possible to fabricate laboratory-grade dental crowns and other dental restorations in minutes. Our Dentist in Columbia, MD near you can place quality dental restorations without messy impressions and without a temporary dental crown.
It’s an amazing innovation when you consider that traditionally, crowns take two or three visits and just as many weeks of waiting. Now you can have a restored tooth without the wait. This technology has allowed us to take restorative dentistry in Howard County to the next level.
Best of all, studies have shown that CAD/CAM tooth restorations are just as successful as crowns made with traditional materials and techniques. And the amazingly lifelike appearance of a same-day crown means that no one will know your tooth has been restored.
How CEREC in Columbia, MD Works
With the help of the CAD/CAM software, we will design your dental crown while you wait. Then a block of dental ceramic material is chosen in the shade that most closely matches your own teeth. The computer’s digital design is transmitted to a milling machine that carves the crown from the ceramic block in about five minutes.
Once the crown’s fit has been verified, and any necessary aesthetic enhancements have been made to the crown’s surface (staining and glazing, for example), the crown will be bonded to your tooth. With a traditional crown, you would have to wear a temporary restoration for several weeks while the permanent crown was being fabricated at the lab. With a same-day crown, you walk out with the real thing.
CEREC® can correct restorative dental concerns such as:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Secure a root canal
- Repair tooth damage
- Severely worn teeth
- Fit to dental implants
Benefits of CEREC® for Restorative Dentistry
CEREC® can help patients repair their smiles almost instantly. Dental crowns are used to treat a wide range of oral health concerns from chips and cracks to replacing missing teeth. CEREC® allows us to design, fabricate, and permanently bond a dental crown in just one visit to our Columbia dentist office near you.
CEREC® eliminates the need for impression trays, long wait times, and unnecessary trips to the dentist office. We can place a dental crown in about two hours from beginning to end. The process is also more comfortable and painless. Since you are right in the chair, the whole process is much more exact.
We can use CEREC® technology to place a dental crown after a root canal treatment. If you’ve had a root canal to treat deep tooth decay or damage, a crown can help protect and strengthen your tooth.
A dental crown works like a strong cover that fits over your natural tooth. When used after a root canal, it helps keep the tooth in place and stops it from breaking. This is a safe and simple way to save your natural tooth instead of having it pulled.
Benefits of CEREC in our Columbia, MD office include:
- Complete dental restoration in a single office visit
- Natural and comfortable results
- Color-matched to teeth
- Highly durable material
- Can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene
- Enjoy eating without dietary restrictions
CEREC Dental Crowns FAQs
CEREC crowns give you a complete dental restoration in minutes. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions about CEREC in Columbia, MD:
How long do CEREC crowns last?
CEREC dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years. The better you take care of them, the longer your crowns will last. Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and visit our dentist regularly.
Are CEREC crowns as good as traditional crowns?
When choosing traditional crowns, you have many options: Porcelain, gold, metal, and ceramic. However, only one type of material is used for CEREC crowns: ceramic. Another difference to consider is durability. Ceramic provides the most realistic-looking restoration but may lessen the lifespan by a few years.
Do CEREC crowns fit better than traditional crowns?
The computer-aided process ensures the most exact fit for your dental crown. 3-D scans and imagery get a complete scan of your tooth, including every little detail. We also compare the colors to ensure that the shade of your new crown fits in perfectly with the rest of your smile.
Do CEREC crowns look natural?
Yes! CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that is designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Because they are custom-made using advanced digital technology, they blend in with your smile and look very natural. The ceramic material also reflects light in a way that mimics real tooth enamel. It can be hard to tell the difference between a CEREC crown and a natural tooth.
How do you care for CEREC crowns?
Taking care of your CEREC crown is easy and similar to caring for your natural teeth. Here are some simple steps to keep your crown in great shape:
- Brush and floss daily: Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: While CEREC crowns are strong, chewing on ice, hard candies, or sticky foods can damage them over time.
- Wear a nightguard: If you grind or clench your teeth at night you can get a custom nightguard to protect your crown from damage.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings help ensure your crown and surrounding teeth stay healthy.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools: Don’t use your teeth to open packages, bite nails, or chew on non-food objects because it can weaken or chip your crown.
Does getting a CEREC crown hurt?
No, it should never hurt to get a crown. We use a local anesthetic to numb the treated area to eliminate any sensitivity. Since we have to prepare the tooth for a crown, you can feel some sensitivity after we place the crown. If you experience this lasting more than two weeks, contact our office.
Do many dentists offer CEREC crowns?
No, only around eight percent of dentists offer this option. As a CEREC dentist Dr. Becker embraces the latest in dental technology and passes the benefits of modern tech to his patients. CEREC is a good investment that helps our patients get the best treatment possible.
Does insurance cover CEREC crowns?
Yes, insurance plans can cover part or all of the cost of CEREC dental crowns. Your insurance provider decides how much they will help you pay for your crown. Contact your dental insurance provider for details. You can also give our office a call at (410) 415-9013 or schedule an appointment online.