You may require a dental crown for a number of reasons including when your tooth (or teeth) are weakened from cavities and require a large filling; when you’ve had or need a root canal; a combination of the both a root canal and a large filling; or cosmetic reasons like discoloration. While getting a crown is often a two-visit procedure at many dental offices, at Wildflower Dental and Orthodontics we are pleased to offer same-day crowns, made possible by CEREC® technology.

What’s CEREC®?

CEREC® stands for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic. Using CEREC® technology, we at Wildflower Dental & Orthodontics are ready with everything we need to create and place your custom-made dental crowns all in one visit. This method is more efficient and convenient, but also just as effective as traditional two-step crowns.

How Does It Work?

• Step one of getting both a traditional two-step crown and a same-day crown is preparing the tooth. For both types, this involves shaping the tooth, often filing it down or filling it in to make it ready for the crown. A traditional crowning procedure would require an impression. However, with a same-day crown at Wildflower Dental and Orthodontics, Dr. Walkington takes a digital impression, which will send a highly accurate picture to the computer.
• CEREC® technology generates an ultra-precise 3D virtual model of the tooth so that Dr. Walkington can design the perfect crown. He will check the color and size of your other teeth to make sure that your new crown blends with your whole smile.
• The information for this virtual model is sent to our in-office milling machine, which then creates your permanent crown while you wait. This allows us to eliminate the need for a temporary crown and the need for you to make another appointment to have your permanent crown installed.
• The final step is to ensure that your restoration crown fits and functions exactly as it should. Once the fit is verified, your same-day crown will be bonded to the tooth. Thanks to CEREC® technology and Dr. Walkington’s expertise you walk out with the real thing, no need to wait what could be weeks with a traditional crown at most other dental offices, while the crown restoration is created at a dental lab.

After the Dental Crown Procedure

Now that you have your dental crown, be sure to follow Dr, Walkington’s post-treatment instructions, including what foods to avoid and how to care for your dental crown. With the proper care, your crown will last a long time.

Whether you have a crown that needs replacing or you are interested in our same-day crowning technique, contact the team at Wildflower Dental & Orthodontics.