CEREC Crowns – Understanding The Pros & Cons Of Same-Day Crowns

CEREC is a form of dentistry that uses special software, computers, and a CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing) machine to create dental restorations in-office at Carmel Mountain Dental Care. 

With CEREC technology in San Diego, our doctors can build crowns and other restorations in just one day, rather than working with an outside dental lab, which can take weeks. Wondering if CEREC crowns are right for you in Rancho Peñasquitos? Let’s explore the pros and cons of this approach to dental restoration. 

The Benefits Of Same-Day CEREC Crowns

First, let’s discuss the pros of same-day CEREC crowns at Carmel Mountain Dental Care. Here are just a few reasons that CEREC is so popular at our office.

• Same-day treatment – The biggest benefit of CEREC is that you can get a crown in a single 1-2 hour appointment. Traditional crowns take 2 appointments over a period of up to 2-3 weeks or longer. CEREC is fast and ideal if you have a busy schedule. You’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair.
  
  
• No temporary crown – In the traditional crown process, you need to get a temporary resin crown to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is built. These can be bulky, loose-fitting, or uncomfortable. Temporaries are not needed with CEREC. You’ll walk out of our office with a brand-new, permanent tooth. This enhances your comfort and your convenience.
  
  
• Digital impressions – Some patients find dental putty and trays to be really uncomfortable. These are not needed with CEREC. A special hand-held scanner is used to take digital scans and impressions of your teeth, eliminating the need for putty-based impressions. 
  

The Drawbacks Of Same-Day CEREC Crowns

Just like any other dental procedure, CEREC crowns are not perfect for everyone or for every situation. Here are a few cons related to same-day CEREC crowns. 

• Somewhat higher cost – CEREC tends to be a bit more expensive than traditional lab-made crowns, though this depends on your dentist and your location. Paying a little more for convenient treatment is acceptable to many patients, though.
  
  
• Less durable – Traditional crowns usually use a porcelain shell bonded to a metal substructure, which provides a really long lifespan. CEREC uses crowns made from a solid block of porcelain. This means they tend to be less durable and do not last as long as lab-made crowns.
  
  
• Not all patients qualify – In some cases, like if a tooth is severely broken below the gum line, CEREC may not be appropriate, and there are some other situations where a lab-made crown may be a better choice.
  

Interested In CEREC Crowns? Come To Carmel Mountain Dental Care! 

At Carmel Mountain Dental Care, our dentists provide both CEREC and traditional lab-made crowns. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, we’re here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (858) 484-4880 to schedule an appointment, discuss your restorative dentistry options, and get the treatment that’s right for your needs, your budget, and your personal preferences.