CEREC Dental Crowns in Knoxville, TN
Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Call (865) 687-8670 to learn more.
Discover How to Get Dental Crowns in Just One Visit
Dental crowns play a crucial role in restoring the function and aesthetics of damaged or weakened teeth. Thanks to advancements in digital technology, it’s now possible to receive permanent crowns in a single visit. Continue reading to find out if same-day crowns are the right option for you.
Our Knoxville, TN, dentist is committed to providing you with the information needed to determine the most suitable treatment for your needs. For further details, contact our Knoxville dental practice at (865) 687-8670.
What Are Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), are tailor-made dental restorations that can be crafted and placed within a single visit to select dental offices. They serve to restore both the functionality and appearance of teeth that are damaged, decayed, or weakened.
What Is CEREC?
CEREC technology represents a revolutionary advancement in dentistry that integrates computer-aided design (CAD) with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to produce custom dental restorations. This innovation transforms the conventional method of creating dental crowns, enhancing both efficiency and precision.
Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
Same-day dental crowns provide numerous advantages over traditional dental crown restorations. Here are some of the key benefits that make CEREC crowns an excellent option for patients:
- Time Efficiency: With CEREC technology, the entire crown restoration process is completed in just one dental visit. This eliminates the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns.
- Precision and Accuracy: CAD/CAM technology ensures highly precise measurements, resulting in crowns that fit comfortably and naturally in your mouth.
- High-Quality Materials: CEREC crowns are crafted from premium ceramic materials that are biocompatible, meaning they’re safe for your oral health and unlikely to cause allergies or sensitivities.
- Natural Appearance: The ceramic material used in CEREC crowns closely mimics the natural color and translucency of teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
- Long-Lasting Durability: Known for their durability and longevity, CEREC crowns can last for many years with proper care, offering reliable tooth restoration.
How Do CEREC Crowns Work?
CEREC crowns leverage computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology to simplify the process of creating personalized dental restorations. Instead of requiring several visits to the dentist, you can have your smile restored in just one appointment.
Here’s how it works:
- Digital Impression: Instead of using traditional physical impressions, your dentist will employ a specialized intraoral scanner to capture a 3D image of your teeth and gums.
- Crown Design: The digital impression is transmitted to a computer, where your dentist will use CAD software to develop a virtual model of your dental crown. This model allows for precise customization and necessary adjustments.
- Milling Process: Once the design is finalized, it’s sent to a milling machine that carves the crown from a solid block of ceramic material. This step only takes a few minutes.
- Placement and Bonding: After the crown is milled, our dentist will assess its fit and appearance before bonding it to your tooth using dental cement. The crown is then polished to achieve a natural look and feel.
Caring for Same-Day Crowns
To ensure that your same-day crown lasts as long as possible, make sure you’re doing the following:
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to clear away plaque and food particles between your teeth and along the gumline. Use an antibacterial mouthwash as advised by your dentist.
- Be Careful with Hard or Sticky Foods: Avoid biting into hard or sticky foods that might harm or loosen your crown. Stay away from chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth to open packages to protect the crown from damage.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. These visits help your dentist check the condition of your crown, catch any issues early, and make necessary adjustments.
- Use a Night Guard or Bite Splint: If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), your dentist might suggest a night guard or bite splint to protect your crown and natural teeth from wear.
- Avoid Tobacco and Limit Staining Substances: Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain your crown. Limit drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and other colored beverages to keep your crown looking natural.
- Report Issues Quickly: If you feel discomfort or sensitivity or notice changes in your crown’s fit or look, contact your dental office immediately for a check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, the CEREC process is safe. By using digital impressions, it eliminates the need for traditional messy impressions, enhancing patient comfort. Moreover, the ceramic materials utilized in CEREC restorations are biocompatible, ensuring they’re well-tolerated by oral tissues.
With diligent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, CEREC restorations can endure for many years, much like traditional restorations. However, factors such as personal oral habits, bite forces, and maintenance routines can influence the longevity of these restorations.
The price of same-day dental crowns can differ based on the dentist and the geographical location. Typically, same-day crowns might be slightly more costly than traditional crowns due to the advanced technology and materials involved. However, they may save you money by minimizing the number of necessary dental visits and related expenses.
Transform Your Smile in Just One Appointment
Same-day crowns offer an ideal solution for patients needing dental restorations who can’t accommodate multiple appointments or lengthy waiting times. By harnessing digital technology, same-day dental crowns have transformed the process of dental restorations.
To book a consultation with our dentist, contact our Knoxville office at (865) 687-8670. We proudly serve patients from Amherst, Marble City, and West Knoxville, TN.
