Busy Richmond patients love efficient dental procedures like CEREC
For holistic dentist, Dr. Olivia Hart, the top priority with any of the dental procedures she offers is quality service with beautiful results. When she can combine that core philosophy with techniques that save time for busy Richmond area patients, it is a win-win! CEREC technology is a terrific example.Understanding CEREC
CEREC is an acronym for CEramic REConstruction, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Dr. Hart uses CEREC technology to precisely design and fabricate lustrous porcelain dental restorations such as ceramic crowns and ceramic restorations on dental implants – all while you wait comfortably in the office instead of waiting at home for weeks with a temporary restoration!If a tooth has a significant area of decay or trauma, you probably need a crown. A ceramic crown restores the shape and function of the tooth and protects it from further damage. In the past, that meant two appointments, and watching what you ate and how you ate while you had an interim crown for several weeks.
The CEREC technique begins in a similar fashion, with preparation of the tooth – removal of the damaged portion and shaping the remaining structure to hold a crown. That is where the similarity ends:
- Next, Dr. Hart takes 3-D digital impressions of your mouth.
- CEREC's robust computer software transforms this information into a blueprint for your crown.
- Using that design, an in-house milling machine carves the crown from a solid block of strong, color-matched ceramic material.
- Dr. Hart utilizes a meticulous staining and firing method for a perfect blend with your natural dentition.
- The crown is cemented into place, and polished.
- In one visit, your smile is restored!
A similar CEREC process can be used if you need a dental implant placed. Instead of waiting for the final tooth restoration to be fabricated in a lab once your implant has healed and is ready to be restored, CEREC technology can be used to create a custom-fitted, natural-looking tooth in just a short time while you wait.
