One-visit Crowns

Taking good care of your health should always be a top priority no matter your age, race or religion. When it comes to having good health, your teeth play a vital role in overall success. Oral health tends to fall by the wayside for most people, but a lack of good oral health can cause a disaster year down the line. There are a number of dental procedures that can be performed for better oral health, and dental crowns definitely fit the bill. A dental crown is basically a cap that is placed on a tooth to restore it to its natural shape. The purpose of a dental crown is to make the tooth stronger and more functional. In addition to that, the tooth's appearance will look natural, which is great for vanity purposes.

Here at Prairie Hawk Dental, we specialize in a wide array of dental services and procedures, including one-visit crowns. We are located in Castle Rock, Colorado, and we have two of the top dentists in the region. Dr. Aaron Goodman completed his undergraduate work at Brigham Young University as well as the University of Arizona. In 2005, Dr. Goodman attained his dental degree from the University of Colorado. The other half of this dynamic-duo is Dr. Matthew Young. This Colorado-native attained his dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry. Our dentists specialize in one-day crowns, which are done using our state-of-the-art CEREC® system.

WHAT IS THE CEREC® SYSTEM?

The CEREC® system is also referred to as a CAD-CAM system. Simply put, CAD stands for “Computer Assisted Design” and CAM stands for “Computer Assisted Milling.” Therefore, CEREC® uses computer design and a milling device to create custom-made restorations.

Below you will find information on the three major components of the CEREC® system:

• Acquisition device – This device uses a high-quality camera and a medical grade computer. The unit works together to photograph the tooth you want restored. The device creates three-dimensional images of the tooth on the computer screen. The dentist uses that image to design your custom-made restoration.
• Three-dimensional CAD software – This provides the dentist with the ability to look at the tooth from every angle. Using this technology, the dentist comes as close as possible to examining the tooth in his/her hands while rotating it on the screen.
• Milling device – This unit makes the custom restoration based on the specifications from the computer. Your dentist chooses a ceramic block that provides the closest match to your existing tooth color. That block is then placed into the unit. After a few minutes, the milling device produces the restoration designed by your dentist.

IS THE CEREC® RESTORATION PROCEDURE COMPLEX?

No. CEREC® makes it easy for your dentist to customize your new restoration. Below you will find detailed steps about the procedure:

• The dentist prepares the tooth by removing all decay and creating a divergent occlusal axial wall. The dentist creates that wall to make the opening of the tooth wider than the actual base.
• The dentist takes an impression of the tooth using titanium dust. The dust works with the camera to take a detailed photo of the tooth being restored.
• The camera takes those detailed images of the tooth using optical imaging with an infrared wavelength.
• The image becomes transposed on the computer screen. This is where the dentist views the tooth from all angles so he/she has the needed visuals to design the restoration.
• The dentist completes the design and transmits it to the milling unit.
• The dentist chooses a block of ceramic that closely matches your teeth’s color. This creates natural looking and virtually invisible results.
• Within 15 minutes, the milling unit creates the crown, onlay, overlay or veneer using compressed porcelain instead of laboratory-layered porcelain. Compressed porcelain makes stronger and more durable restorations and saves patients time and money.
• The dentist then places the dry restoration to ensure fit. Once your dentist determines the fit, he/she will polish the restoration and affix it to the tooth using dental cement.

That completes the process and you do not have to go back for a second fitting!

WILL CEREC® BENEFIT ME?

CEREC® benefits many patients looking for a ceramic restoration device. Some advantages include:

• • Permanent (no temporary ones) and long-lasting restorations
  • High-quality devices that save more of the natural tooth
  • Less-invasive procedures for patients
  • Fewer injections resulting in less discomfort for patients
  • Fewer dental visits mean less cost to patients
  • Biocompatible solutions that do not harm the body
  • No horrible-tasting impressions
  • No time-consuming transfers to and from a lab

Some exceptions apply. If you have a history of breaking these types of devices or you have a deep bite, you should speak to your dentist because these products may not be the best option for you.

HOW LONG DO CEREC® RESTORATIONS LAST?

We know that CEREC® devices last for over five years. Now, research shows that most CEREC®-created restorations may last for more than 10 years.

We can provide additional information and answer any questions you have regarding CEREC®.