CEREC Same-Day Crowns in Watsonville
If you’ve suffered from cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged teeth as a result of either decay or trauma, you might be a candidate for dental crowns. These devices have a number of uses, all of which are helpful in restoring the look and feel of your natural teeth. Watsonville Dental Wellness Center brings our industry leading expertise in dental health to the craft of dental crowns. Let us restore your smile!
What Are Dental Crowns?
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Types of Dental Crowns
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Other commonly used crowns include:
Porcelain-fused to metal
This crown forms a stronger bond than just using porcelain thanks to the support of the metal structure. The metal fusing also makes these more durable.
Gold alloys
A mix of gold, copper, and other metals are used to make these crowns. The combination of these materials makes them durable, resistant to fracture, and do not wear away at the tooth. These are also among the most expensive types of crowns.
Base metal alloys
These crowns are made out of less expensive metals that are also resistant to corrosion. Their affordability and durability make this type of crowns the preferred choice among many patients.
Do You Need Dental Crowns?
A dentist near you might recommend dental crowns if you have suffered any of the following conditions:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has a root canal
Dental Crown Procedure
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. The first step is a dental impression. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth while the impression is sent to an offsite laboratory to create the final restoration. In some cases, same-day crowns are possible, so be sure to inquire.
Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
The Benefits Of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
CEREC crowns are made from tooth-like porcelain materials, and can be matched to the color of your existing teeth. This ensures a completely lifelike restoration. Your new smile will look and feel completely natural, and nobody will be able to tell your new crown apart from your natural teeth.
Just like other types of crowns, CEREC crowns are also very durable and are completely stain-resistant. Your new tooth will hold up well to chewing and biting, and it will continue to look bright for years to come.
The biggest benefit of CEREC, though, is that it can be done in just one appointment. Lab-made crowns usually require at least two appointments over a period of several weeks. In contrast, your CEREC crown can be built in just two hours at Watsonville Dental Wellness Center, from start to finish. This makes treatment much more convenient, and makes it easier for you to get the dental care you need on a busy schedule.
Understanding The CEREC Same-Day Crown Procedure
To begin the procedure, your dentist at Watsonville Dental Wellness Center will clean and numb the treatment area. Then, they will use a dental drill to gently remove damaged tooth material and shape your tooth into a strong, stable platform for your crown. Once that’s done, your dentist will take a 3D scan of your mouth using our CEREC Primescan 3D scanner. Then, they will upload it into our CEREC software.
Your dentist will use this software to create a crown that will fit perfectly into your mouth. Once they finalize the design, your dentist will load a block of tooth-colored porcelain into our CEREC Primemill milling machine. This machine will automatically trim the porcelain into the proper shape.
Finally, your dentist will take your CEREC crown out of the machine, then check to make sure it fits in your mouth properly. Once the fit is right, your dentist will bond the tooth in place using dental cement. After one final polishing, you’ll be sent home to enjoy your newly-restored smile.
How Long Does A CEREC Crown Last?
Most people will keep their CEREC crown for at least 10-15 years, which is about the same as the lifespan of a traditional, lab-made crown. However, it is possible to keep a crown for 20 years or even longer in some cases. If you take good care of your teeth and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to keep your new tooth for years and even decades to come.
If your CEREC crown ever fails or becomes damaged, our team is here to help. It is sometimes possible to repair crowns, but Dr. Bedolla or Dr. Cook will usually recommend replacing your crown. Thanks to CEREC, we can replace old crowns or damaged crowns in just one appointment at our office in Watsonville, CA.
How Do I Care For My Same-Day Crown?
You can treat your new CEREC crown just like you would treat a natural tooth. That means you should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes. You also should floss once per day to remove food particles and other debris that can’t be removed with brushing alone.
Other than that, the most important thing to do is to come to Watsonville Dental Wellness Center every six months for a consultation with Dr. Eugenio Bedolla or Dr. Jason Cook. At your appointment, one of our hygienists will clean your teeth. Then, Dr. Bedolla or Dr. Cook will check on your teeth and your crown and make sure your mouth is healthy.
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Are Your Ready to Restore Your Teeth?
Don’t let damaged teeth keep you from looking and feeling great! If you are ready to repair your smile, come to the experts at Watsonville Dental Wellness Center.