
First, we examine the tooth or teeth to determine the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining in our clinical judgment. Next, we administer an anesthetic and prepare your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. This preparation is just like we would do for many other restorative techniques.
Then, we take an Optical Impression of the prepared tooth.
Instead of filling a tray with impression "goop" that you must bite
into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, we coat the tooth with a
non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is used to take a digital picture of your
tooth. This whole Optical Impression process only takes a minute or two.
Next, the CEREC machine helps us create the restoration for your
tooth. The CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a
3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. We use our dental expertise
to design the restoration using the CEREC 3D computer program. Within a few
minutes, with the click of a button, the restoration design data is sent to a
separate milling machine in the office. A ceramic block that matches your tooth
shade is placed in the milling machine. About 10 - 20 minutes later, your
all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place.
Finally, we try the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite.
The restoration is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth. Your tooth
is restored with no "temporary" or return trip necessary. Please call
our office to see if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Thank you for sharing such helpful information. Keep up the good work guys!
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