CEREC® Crowns Jacksonville, NC

The acronym CEREC® stands for “Chairside Economic Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic,” this cutting-edge technology allows Dr. Covert, Dr. Ambrose, and Dr. Saunders to restore a damaged tooth in just one visit. Our on-site dental lab allows us to design and manufacture these long-lasting, highly durable crowns in Jacksonville, NC.

On-site fabrication allows you to have your dental crown in one day instead of waiting three weeks between impressions and permanent placement in other dental practices. We are all about patient convenience, and what could be more convenient than only having to come to our office once for crown placement?

CEREC® crowns are durable and long-lasting, and they allow us to save teeth by restoring them to good form and function. No one wants to lose a damaged tooth; CEREC® technology allows us to save thousands of teeth each year.

You may know crowns as “caps,” which are coverings that encase the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A dental crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that can’t be restored with dental fillings or other restorations.

Porcelain (tooth-colored) crowns are the most popular type because they’re durable and last many years. However, like most dental restorations, they will likely need to be replaced, but not for a very long time. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth, giving you a long-lasting, stunning smile.

If there is a reason your dentist feels your crown should be made off-site, we will discuss that with you and explain our reasoning. Two visits will be necessary in these cases, but most of our patients are great candidates for CEREC® same-day crowns.

CEREC® crowns are made from CAD/CAM technology and are created on-site in a lab. The advantages of CEREC® crowns are numerous. Digital impressions with CEREC® crowns are more accurate than the putty used in traditional crowns. CEREC® crowns provide a more accurate scan of the tooth and surrounding area, eliminating the common problem of crowns that fit properly.

If traditional crowns are a better treatment option for you, our restorative dentists in Jacksonville, NC, will explain why. Your options to correct the problem of missing teeth or gaps between teeth are numerous, and all are available at Family Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry in Jacksonville, NC.

Step 1: Exam – Any damaged teeth will be detected during your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. If you have a damaged tooth between your six-month checkups, you can schedule an exam with one of our dentists to assess the issue and determine how it should be fixed.

Step 2: Prep the Tooth – If you’re a good candidate for a same-day CEREC® crown, we’ll proceed with prepping the tooth. First, we’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, we’ll remove any old fillings, remove the damaged portion of the tooth, and shape the tooth to fit the crown.

Step 3: Digital Scan – Next, we take a digital impression of your mouth to ensure a precise and accurate fit. Instead of using the putty necessary for traditional crowns, we use the CEREC Prime Scan digital dental scanner. This specialized intra-oral camera allows us to capture detailed 3D images of the tooth, and the scan serves as the foundation for designing your custom crown.

Step 4: CAD Design – The fourth step involves using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, which we will use to turn the digital scans into a model for your new crown. This revolutionary technology allows for precise customization, ensuring that your crown fits comfortably and blends seamlessly into your smile.

Step 5: Milling the Crown – After the design, the crown is manufactured right in our Dolphin Drive location. Using Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology, a milling machine carves your crown out of high-quality porcelain (or other materials used in crown creation). The milling process only takes about 20 minutes; unlike traditional crowns that require two visits, a CEREC® same-day crown can be designed, fabricated, and placed all at one appointment. Patient convenience is always at the forefront of our treatment plans.

Step 6: Placing the Crown – Once the crown is ready, we will place it over the tooth, but before we permanently attach it to the tooth root, we will make any adjustments necessary to create a precise fit that provides optimal bite alignment. This intricate and exact placement means the crown will feel more comfortable and function as a natural tooth.

Step 7: Bonding and Polishing the Crown – Next, we will permanently bond the crown to your tooth root using special dental cement. This step secures the crown and creates a stable, durable chewing surface. Finally, we will polish the crown to give it a smooth, natural finish to enhance its appearance. You’ll be thrilled with the result: a perfectly healthy, great-looking tooth that should last ten to fifteen years!

You’ll be amazed at the strides dental technology has made in recent years, especially if you’ve not had any dental work since you were young. We are thrilled to offer this revolutionary way to restore damaged teeth, and we encourage you to contact our office to schedule an appointment if you have a damaged tooth that could benefit from a restoration like a CEREC® crown or traditional crown.

Please call Family Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a new patient appointment (910) 353-5171. You may also fill out our online contact form to schedule or ask any questions. One of our dental team members will contact you soon to help you.

If you’re an existing patient with a crown treatment plan in place, please schedule soon. Delaying a crown may result in further damage to the already-flawed tooth. We look forward to hearing from you and would love to welcome you and your loved ones into our Jacksonville, NC, dental family.