CEREC, which stands for ceramic reconstruction, is an advanced dental technique that uses a computerized milling machine to craft a porcelain crown in just minutes with CAD/CAM technology. Unlike traditional crowns, which require sending details to an external lab and waiting 2-3 weeks for completion, CEREC enables our dentists in Sterling to create custom-fitted porcelain crowns on-site in just a short time. This means you can receive your crown in a single day, requiring only one visit to Khanani Family Dental.

The process of receiving a CEREC crown is straightforward. First, Dr. Khanani will clean the treatment area and apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, a dental drill is used to remove any damaged enamel and reshape the tooth to prepare for the crown.

Next, Dr. Khanani will use a digital scanner to capture a 3D image of your tooth, which is then uploaded to the CEREC system. From this, he will design a custom crown that fits your tooth precisely.

Once the design is finalized, Dr. Khanani will place a tooth-colored porcelain block into the CEREC CAD/CAM milling machine. The machine will automatically carve the block into your custom crown.

After the crown is created, Dr. Khanani will ensure it fits perfectly in your mouth, making any necessary adjustments. Finally, he will securely bond the crown to your tooth using dental cement, completing the procedure.

CEREC provides a more convenient solution for getting a crown, allowing the entire process to be completed in just one 2-hour appointment at our office, instead of requiring 2 appointments over the course of 2-3 weeks. Plus, you won't have to endure the discomfort of wearing a temporary crown between visits.

Additionally, CEREC uses a digital scanning tool to take impressions of your teeth, eliminating the need for traditional putty-based molds that can be uncomfortable, especially for patients with a sensitive gag reflex.

For these reasons and more, same-day crowns at Khanani Family Dental in Sterling are a fantastic option for restoring a damaged or decayed tooth.

Traditional dental crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years, while a CEREC dental crown can last just as long, or even longer, with proper care. By minimizing wear, tear, and staining, a CEREC crown has the potential to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years.

To ensure the longevity of your dental crown, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, and avoid habits that may lead to wear or chipping. While CEREC crowns are made of stain-resistant porcelain, they can still discolor over time, just like natural teeth.

Caring for CEREC crowns is much like caring for traditional dental crowns. It's essential to regularly brush and floss to remove food particles, plaque, and prevent tooth decay. Brush twice daily for at least 2 minutes using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day. Don’t forget to clean your tongue to eliminate bacteria as well.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup to ensure your crowns stay in good condition. To prevent staining, avoid smoking, use a straw when drinking beverages that can stain, and limit your intake of drinks like tea, coffee, and red wine. To protect your crowns from damage, wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, refrain from using your teeth to open objects, and avoid chewing hard items like ice or candy.

The coverage for CEREC crowns depends on several factors, including the purpose of the crown, your type of insurance, and the extent of your coverage. While some dental plans may cover CEREC crowns, others might not, and the reimbursement amount can vary.

Generally, insurance will cover CEREC crowns if they are considered medically necessary, such as for treating a damaged or decayed tooth. However, if the crown is being placed for cosmetic purposes, it is unlikely to be covered. To understand your specific coverage, it's best to reach out to your insurance provider directly.

Our practice accepts a range of insurance plans. For those without insurance, we offer flexible financing options including CareCredit, Proceed Finance, payment plans, and a savings plan for both new and existing patients.

If you’re interested in CEREC same-day crowns, contact us at Khanani Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salman Khanani.