Do you need a crown but don't have enough room in your schedule for multiple dental appointments? Same-day CEREC crowns offer a convenient alternative to the two-appointment crown process. Columbus, GA, dentists Dr. Phillip Tully and Dr. W. Newton Sharp explain how CEREC works.

CAD/CAM technology simplifies crown production

Thanks to computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), crowns can be created in the dentist's office, rather than a dental laboratory. Versatile crowns are used to strengthen, stabilize and restore fragile or damaged teeth, but also offer an excellent way to improve the appearance of a crooked, discolored or short tooth.

Traditionally, the crown process involved reducing the size of your tooth, making an impression of your mouth with gooey dental putty, then sending the impression to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the crown. You left the office with a temporary crown and were given a list of foods to avoid to prevent damaging or dislodging the temporary crown. Two weeks later, you returned for the new crown.

When you receive a CEREC crown, you'll only need to visit our Columbus, GA, office once. After preparing your tooth, we'll use a digital camera to create a virtual impression of your mouth. Many patients are particularly happy to hear that there's no longer any need to use uncomfortable putty impressions, thanks to the virtual impression process.

After we create the virtual impression, we'll manipulate a 3D computerized image of your mouth to design a crown that will fit your mouth perfectly. With just a click of a button, the design will be sent to our in-office milling machine, where it will be crafted from a block of ceramic. The entire process only takes about an hour and completely eliminates the need for a temporary crown. Should there be any issues with the fit of your crown, a new crown can be created while you wait.

Are you interested in finding out if a CEREC crown is a good option for you? Call Columbus, GA, dentists Dr. Phillip Tully and Dr. W. Newton Sharp at (706) 323-6491 to schedule an appointment.