If you are in need of a dental restoration, you might be concerned about how long it can take and the fact that it will require multiple visits to your dentist. However, there is also the option of finding a dentist offering CEREC technology. CEREC, or ceramic reconstruction, uses advanced technology to give you a high-quality dental crown right in your dentist's office. Here are some things to know about this type of dental technology.

What types of restorations does CEREC help with?

Most basic dental restorations can be received with the help of CEREC technology. This includes crowns and bridges, as well as inlays and onlays. Crowns typically take at least two visits since impressions need to be taken, the teeth need to be filed down, and the impressions are sent to a dental lab where it may take weeks before getting them back. A bridge might take more time since the artificial tooth and crowns both need to be created. Inlays and onlays help replace a filling, which go inside or outside the tooth.

How do you get restorations in one day?

CEREC technology uses CAD/CAM software that takes 3D pictures of the teeth that need the restorations. This is done in lieu of having to get impressions, which would otherwise be sent to a lab. After the images are processed in the connected computer system, they are sent to a large machine that is able to fabricate the restorations right there. In most cases, you go from the imaging stage to getting the restoration placed on your tooth in the same dental visit. This is not only beneficial for the patient, but convenient for the dentist as well.

What are the benefits of using this technology?

You will have a wide range of benefits when you choose a dentist offering CEREC crowns and other restorations. First of all, you don't have any messy impression that need to be done. They can be messy, uncomfortable, and take a long time. By the time you leave the dentist office, your crown or bridge should already be in place. By getting them done on the same day, you also help to avoid wearing a temporary crown that doesn't fit right. In addition, keep in mind that your tooth won't be at risk of breaking while waiting for the permanent restoration, such as if you had a root canal and need a crown. 

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