CEREC Crowns: An Overview

There are usually three reasons for the placement of crowns and bridges:

• A tooth has been so badly damaged by decay or so heavily restored by fillings that it can only be saved with an “indirectâ€� restoration
• A tooth has had root canal treatment. These teeth are almost always restored with a restoration because they have lost a great deal of tooth structure from fracture, decay, or the drilling process. These teeth are prone to fracture under normal and light chewing forces.
• A tooth needs to be used as an abutment (anchor) for a bridge to replace missing teeth.

The procedure for outside laboratory fabrication – 2 or more reservations in our office

• Preparing (drilling) the tooth in an appropriate fashion for the type of crown chosen
• Making impressions of the prepared tooth, opposing teeth, and the occlusal (bite) relationships
• Selecting a shade for tooth-colored crowns
• Fabricating a provisional restoration that will remain in place while the crown is being constructed by the outside laboratory
• Cementing or bonding the completed crown into position. If the work to be done is extensive, there may also be several appointments needed for preliminary seating (try-in) of the crowns or castings

The procedure for inside our office laboratory fabrication – one reservation in our office

• Preparing (drilling) the tooth in an appropriate fashion for the type of crown chosen
• A reflective powder layer prepares the tooth for imaging
• An optical 3D image is acquired with a small camera, directly in your mouth
• The restoration is created on the screen using the image data
• Diamond coated instruments mill a ceramic block to reproduce the design using CAD/CAM
• After polishing, a unique light hardens the bonding material, uniting porcelain and tooth
• Polishing and glazing ensures a pleasantly smooth and natural feel

It is important for the ultimate success of the crown(s) that you understand and can perform thorough plaque removal. You should immediately begin following the oral self-care instructions that you have been given. It will make the procedure more comfortable and efficient, and the resulting restorations will look better.