The CEREC Crown and Bridge Process
Understanding what to expect during your crown or bridge appointment can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for the process.
- Examination and Preparation — Your dentist examines the damaged tooth and removes any decay. We then carefully shape the tooth to create an ideal foundation for your crown, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
- Digital Imaging — Instead of traditional impressions, our small 3-D camera captures precise digital images of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This process takes just a few minutes and provides highly accurate measurements.
- Custom Crown Design — Using specialized CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, your dentist designs your crown on screen, customizing the shape, size, and contours to perfectly match your natural teeth. You can even see a virtual image of the crown before we create it.
- Milling Your Crown — Our in-office CEREC milling machine carves your crown from a solid block of dental ceramic in a process that takes about an hour.
- Fitting and Placement — Once your crown is ready, we check the fit, make any necessary minor adjustments, and polish it to a sheen that resembles natural tooth enamel. When we’re satisfied with its look and feel, we cement the crown securely to your tooth.
You know you need a dental crown to protect that damaged tooth and restore normal chewing, but who has time for multiple appointments and waiting for weeks?