You may have seen the show called The Crown on Netflix. It chronicles the early part of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. While we like watching about royalty and jeweled headgear, at Implant Dentistry of Florida, we’re more interested in using our CEREC technology to make a sweet crown that saves a damaged tooth.
What is a crown?
Sometimes a tooth is in trouble. Either it has extensive decay (too much to fill without sacrificing the strength of the tooth), it already has had a filling, or maybe it has a crack. In these cases, the tooth will either need to be extracted, or it will need a crown. A crown, as the name implies, fits over the entire visible (above the gum line) portion of the tooth returning strength to the underlying weakened natural portion of the tooth. Crowns are also used as the anchors for dental bridges.
Most dentists have their crowns created at dental labs. This requires a two-week delay in the proceedings, while the crown is being made and delivered back to the dentist. It also requires a second visit from the patient. Plus, while the patient awaits his or her crown, they must wear a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
We don’t believe in waiting at Implant Dentistry; we have a CEREC system for fabricating our crowns.
What is CEREC?
CEREC is an acronym for a cool dental restoration fabrication system. It allows Drs. Brown and Vaughn to restore decayed teeth, replace defective amalgam fillings, create and place cosmetic veneers, and place crowns in a single visit.
CEREC stands for this:
- Chair side: All the technology is available right from your spot in the dental chair.
- Economical: The procedure is more economical than using a dental lab.
- Restorations: Your tooth is restored to its natural beauty, function, and strength.
- Esthetic: The restorations are metal-free and the color of your natural teeth.
- Ceramic: High-strength ceramics are used that closely resemble the appearance and sheen of your natural teeth.
How do we use CEREC?
When a tooth needs a crown, we start by first removing any decayed or damaged material. Then we shave off a portion of the healthy outer tooth to make room for the crown. This is done on all sides and the top of the tooth. Next, instead of loading up a mouthful of impression goop, we coat your tooth with a tasteless, non-toxic powder. Then we take a digital picture of your tooth and send this image and other data to the CEREC system in our office.
The CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a three-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. From that 3D image, Dr. Brown or Vaughn can then design your crown in just a few minutes. That data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office that takes a ceramic block matching your natural tooth shade and shaves it down to create your crown. This process only takes from 10-20 minutes. We check your new crown for fit, bite, and color match, making adjustments as needed. When satisfied with the fit, we cement the crown onto your tooth permanently, and you’re done. No second trip two weeks later required!
Do you wonder if you may need a crown on a damaged tooth? Call us at Implant Dentistry of Florida, 321-259-9429, to make an appointment.