"Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem," Dr. Robert Shearer said. "If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse."
Crown fabrication traditionally takes place in a dental laboratory, but with a new machine purchased by Soddy Daisy Smiles, there's now a much more convenient alternative: same-day crowns made in the dental office.
When a tooth has a cavity, crack or fracture that involves half the width of the tooth or more, it needs to be covered with a crown. This is because the remaining tooth around the large filling is so weak that it is prone to fracture.
"A crown can sometimes take two or three appointments, but at our office, we can make most crowns same day, which is easier and more convenient for our patients," Dr. Robert added. "Our office has an in-office machine called Cerec, which allows us to create natural-looking ceramic crowns, often in a single visit. We use a digital camera to take an optical impression of the damaged tooth, design the appropriate restoration using CAD software and mill tooth-colored restorations, which can eliminate the need for a temporary and return visit."
Cerec by Sirona Dental Systems, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is the world's only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit. Patients can be in and out in a single visit with a permanent, all ceramic crown, onlay or veneer that looks and feels like a real tooth. This means fewer injections, less drilling, and less time out of your hectic schedule for dental care.
The five step process is quick and helps get the job done without any issues. It begins with preparation where the dentist preps the tooth to be repaired for the prosthesis by removing any decay or damaged tissue. Step two is scanning the teeth to make a full three-dimensional model of the mouth.
"No uncomfortable molding paste impressions anymore, which a lot of people are very happy to hear," Dr. Mandy shared.
From there, computer software reviews the model, and the dentist pegs the proper design and fit for the prosthesis, and once the design is complete, the software then connects with an on-site milling machine to create the precise ceramic prosthesis to match the natural tooth's color.
"At this point, we're ready for application right away," Dr. Robert said. "We'll bond it to your tooth, polish it, and remove any excess cement or debris."
Following the procedure, patients need to maintain proper care and should continue brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing once a day, Dr. Robert added. Sometimes pairing a fluoride mouthwash to better clean the teeth or a sensitivity toothpaste to help curb hot and cold sensitivity is also helpful.
"It's important to continue good dental hygiene as crowned teeth are still susceptible to decay near the gum line," Dr. Robert noted.
"You don't have to worry about more time away from home and work, and you get to see right away the improvement your smile will gain," she explained. "We're so happy to offer this to our patients. It's truly a game changer."
To learn more about Soddy Daisy Smiles Cerec technology, or to schedule a consultation about getting a same-day crown, call the team at 423-332-5275.
Noteworthy:
"If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse." Dr. Robert Shearer
For more information:
For more information about Soddy-Daisy Smiles and their services, visit soddydaisysmiles.com or call the office at 423-332-5275 to schedule an appointment.