Your Dentist in Petaluma Breaks Down the Wonders of CEREC Technology

If you’ve never heard of CEREC technology before, you’ve probably been really surprised at how quickly your dentist was able to create your replacement tooth all in one visit. That’s just one of the many benefits your dentist in Petaluma will mention the next time you need a new tooth.

Furthermore, your dentist will explain how the tooth is made, the materials that go into it, and how long these restorations can last. Your dentist understands the importance of keeping patients like you informed, so keep reading to do so!

What is CEREC Technology?

Traditionally, creating and applying a dental piece such as a crown would require two visits. One to create the crown and the other to actually place, usually days or even weeks later with a temporary crown to hold its place until then. Now, thanks to Chairside Economical Reconstruction of Esthetic Ceramics or CEREC, dentists can fabricate a high-quality crown faster that fits better than ever before.

The process is quite simple. First, the dentist will take a digital snapshot of you existing tooth. Then, they’ll design the new crown using CAD software, which only takes a few minutes. Next, the CEREC milling unit fabricates a restoration from a solid block which is then glazed in an oven at 900 degrees. This process takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Finally, once the crown is finished, the dentist will make minor adjustments before bonding it to your current tooth for a seamless fit and appearance.

What Is It Made from and How Long Does It Last?

The blocks used are made entirely from ceramic, the most natural-looking dental material to date when it comes to restorations. This material is one of the most common used in dental practices around the country because of its durability and affordability to dentists.

A crown that is well-maintained can last between 10 and 15 years, but this is also influenced by unconscious habits like teeth grinding and/or clenching. Conditions such as these can influence the wear more quickly and porcelain crowns should still be cared for like natural teeth. Regardless, as you live with your crown and get future CEREC crowns, you’ll find many benefits accompanying them.

What are the Benefits of CEREC?

Whether you’re a patient or a dentist, everyone benefits from CEREC crowns for several reasons. Take a look below to gain some insight:

• Traditional crowns look fake due to the visible gold on the inside of the crown. Light passes through CEREC porcelain crowns just like natural teeth, so they look more natural.
• Traditional crowns break due to being combined with gold. By being all-ceramic, they remain more durable.
• CEREC crowns are more cost effective than traditional ones because they last longer and carry a lower chance of needing replacement compared to traditional crowns.
• CEREC crowns are more convenient because they can be made in a day. No longer will you have to settle for a temporary crown for weeks on end before your permanent placement.

Ask your dentist in Petaluma about CEREC crowns today to learn more about the wonderful benefits they provide!

About the Author

Dr. Bob Koenitzer, DDS, earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Pacific followed by his dental degree at the University of California at San Francisco where he received several awards for clinical excellence. He was also voted Best Dentist in Petaluma for five consecutive years. To learn more about his practice, contact him at (707) 766-6666 or visit his website.