CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns – Indianapolis, IN
Fast Repair for Damaged Teeth
If you have ever received a dental crown in the past, you might remember a slow and inefficient treatment process. Thanks to advanced CAD/CAM technology, our practice can do things differently. With the help of the CEREC system, we are able to fabricate high-quality same-day crowns. Would you like to learn more about this fast method for repairing damaged teeth? Continue reading below, and then contact our Indianapolis dental team when you are ready to request a consultation for restorative treatment.
Why Choose Martinez Dental for CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?
- Not Available at All Dental Practices
- Beautiful Results & High-Quality Restorations
- Kind & Empathetic Dentist and Team
What Are CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that fits over the entire exposed portion of a tooth (everything above the gumline). They are sometimes referred to as “caps,” and their job is to restore the form, function, and appearance of damaged teeth. For example, we often used them to protect teeth that have undergone a root canal, prevent further harm to decayed and cracked teeth, and more.
Traditionally, two or more dental appointments are required to design and create a dental crown. CEREC technology streamlines the process. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. That might seem like quite a mouthful, but the basic principle is easy to understand. Basically, CEREC crowns are high-quality restorations that are made right here in our office with the help of CAD/CAM technology. We can usually finish the process in a single day.
The Process of Getting a CEREC Same-Day Dental Crown
The CEREC process starts when we prepare your tooth to receive its crown. In many cases, this means that we have to remove some of its enamel so it will fit well beneath its restoration. Then, we use a scanner to capture a digital impression of the tooth. With the aid of advanced software, we design your restoration, and then we send that design to our ceramic milling unit, which carves the restoration out of a block of dental-grade ceramic. Once we verify that the crown meets our expectations, we attach it to the tooth. The entire process takes just a few hours and can usually be completed in a single appointment.
Benefits of CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
Some outstanding benefits of CEREC crowns include:
- You can save time. You may only have to make one trip to our office instead of two or more.
- No need for a temporary crown. Temporary crowns can be unsightly and uncomfortable. CEREC technology eliminates the need for you to wear one.
- No messy impressions. Manual impressions can be uncomfortable. Digital impressions are faster and more accurate.
- Beautiful results. The ceramic used to make CEREC crowns is almost indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel.
- CEREC crowns can last for 10 years or longer if they receive proper care. They are just as durable as their traditionally made counterparts!
- Despite the advanced technology involved, CEREC crowns are often comparable in price to traditional crowns.
CEREC Dental Crowns FAQs
How Long Do CEREC Dental Crowns Last?
Since dental crowns are crafted from only the best materials, they can last upwards of 15 years. That said, you do need to take good care of them in order for that to be the case. For example, you shouldn’t chew on ice cubes, use your teeth as tools, or smoke. Instead, you should focus on implementing good habits, like brushing and flossing consistently as well as coming to our Indianapolis dental office twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
At each of your biannual visits, we will take a look at your dental crown to see if it needs to be replaced. Between appointments, it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs of trouble, like pain stemming from that tooth when you bite down. You should also schedule an emergency appointment with us if your crown is loose, your gums surrounding it are inflamed, or the appearance is noticeably worse.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
You won’t feel anything during the treatment process because we thoroughly numb your mouth beforehand. When you return home, you may feel some slight soreness and sensitivity, which is to be expected. Fortunately, you can easily (and quickly!) alleviate symptoms like these by rinsing with warm saltwater, sticking to extremely soft foods, and taking OTC pain medication. If your discomfort persists for more than a day or two, or your symptoms are getting worse instead of better, then give us a call right away.
Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance providers typically do cover a portion of the cost of essential restorative care, including dental crowns. That said, there is often red tape that needs to be considered. For example, are there any waiting periods on your plan? Have you paid your deductible? Has your annual maximum been exceeded?
If you need some help navigating the ins and outs of your coverage, don’t hesitate to ask! We’re proud to welcome in-network providers and offer out-of-network savings. We’re also here to answer any questions you have and, when you’re ready, file the claims on your behalf so the process is considerably less stressful.
Will I Have Dietary Restrictions with a Same-Day Crown?
With temporary crowns, there are several dietary restrictions. Since those aren’t necessary with same-day restorations, you don’t need to worry about sticking to extremely soft foods or not chewing on that side of your mouth. All we ask is that you avoid extremely crunchy snacks, like hard pretzels, that you wear a mouthguard during sports, and that you commit to a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen.
Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?
They do! There are a few reasons for this, starting with the fact that they are custom-made from high-quality dental materials. This ensures that they don’t protrude unnaturally or call unwanted attention to your smile. In short, with enough time, you might not remember which tooth is covered with a crown and which isn’t.