It's common knowledge that dentistry, as a practice, has been around for thousands of years (did you hear about the 6,500 year old human jawbone that had a tooth with a beeswax "filling"?) All throughout history humans have been inventing and re-inventing different ways to treat dental problems, making procedures more efficient and comfortable for both the patient and the dentist!
Among those great dental discoveries and achievements has been the crown (i.e., cap). A dental crown is a "tooth shaped" cap that is placed over a tooth in order to restore its functions, durability, and appearance. The first dental crowns were primarily made from gold and then were gradually made with porcelain. Today there are 2 ways that crowns are made: Lab designed and CEREC designed. Keep reading to find out the difference between the two.
The Crown
Scenario: You go to your dentist and (to make a long story short...) you need a crown placed on one of your upper right molars. You agree to get the work done and your dentist begins.
LAB DESIGNED CROWNS
THE PREPARATION
First your dentist will numb you. Then drill and shape your tooth.
THE IMPRESSION
After he or she has a satisfactory shape an impression is taken.
THE WAIT
After the impression, your dentist fits you with a temporary crown and the impression is sent off to a lab where it takes up to 2 weeks for your crown to be made.
THE DELIVERY
When your dental office calls to say they (finally) have your crown, you come in, the dentist numbs you (again!) then removes the temporary (if it hasn't fallen out already) and your new beautiful crown is cemented in. Voila! New and improved tooth!
CEREC CROWNS
CEREC CAD-CAM computer and Milling Unit
THE PREPARATION
Similar to lab designed crowns, your dentist will have to prep and shape your tooth.
THE IMAGE
After preparation, your dentist sprays the area with a special powder and uses the CEREC CAD-CAM to take a picture of your tooth.
THE DESIGN
After the image is taken your dentist will design your tooth with you right there in the dental chair!
THE DELIVERY
After the tooth is designed, milled in the in-office milling machine, glazed, and fired in the oven, your dentist will cement your new crown to your tooth.
ONE APPOINTMENT, NO UNCOMFORTABLE TEMPORARIES, SAME-DAY CROWNS!
Our office takes great pride in being equipped with a CEREC machine. If you think (or have been told that you need a crown) give our office a call and schedule an appointment!
215.567.4949
Also, check our our website for this and other dental services we provide!
pjmouradiandmd.com
[photo credit: http://work.chron.com/dental-lab-technician-paid-5889.html, http://www.1800dentist.com/dental-crown/, http://www.mypriorlakedentist.com/cerec.html]
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