CEREC
The CEREC Procedure
Exam and Preparation
First, the tooth is examined to determine the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgment of Dr. Sunwoo. Next, anesthetic is administered and the tooth is prepared for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. The tooth is precisely prepared as to facilitate the next step in the procedure.
Optical Impression
Once the surface of the tooth is cleaned and ready, an Optical Impression of the tooth is taken with the CEREC Optical Camera. Instead of filling a tray with impression "goop" that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, the tooth is simply coated with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A CEREC camera is then used to take a digital image of your tooth. This whole CEREC Optical Impression process takes only a minute or two.
No Temporaries
Next, the CEREC machine helps the create the restoration for your tooth. The CEREC 3D software takes the digital image and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. Dr. Sunwoo then uses his dental expertise to design the restoration using the CEREC 3D computer program. Within a few minutes, a button is clicked, and 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 - 15 minutes later, your all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place. Finally, the restoration is tried 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. All of this is done in a single appointment! Ask us about CEREC today. Same Day Crowns!
CEREC is an advanced dental restorative system that allows your dentist to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective amalgam fillings, or place cosmetic veneers in just one appointment. This allows you to have the highest quality, most life like dental restorations in just one visit to the dentist...in, out, and on with your busy life.
CEREC Acquisition Unit
The CEREC Acquisition Unit is mobile and houses a medical grade computer and the CEREC camera. The camera is used to take a digital picture of your prepared tooth. This picture is used instead of a traditional impression. This means no impression tray and material for you to gag on. The computer and CEREC 3D software converts the digital picture to a three-dimensional virtual model of your prepped tooth. Your restoration is then designed right on screen using the software while you wait (and watch!). This software can assist the design of any single tooth restoration: crowns, inlays (fillings), onlays (partial crowns), and veneers. Once the design of the restoration is approved by Dr. Sunwoo (usually about 5 minutes), he clicks a button, and the design data is communicated via a wireless radio signal to the CEREC Milling Unit.
CEREC Milling Unit
Your dental assistant selects a ceramic block that matches the shade of the tooth being repaired. He or she then inserts the block into the CEREC Milling Unit. The data from the CEREC Acquisition Unit is used to direct two diamond-coated burs to carve the block into the indicated shape of the restoration. This process usually takes 8 to 18 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration. After the milling is finished, the CEREC restoration is polished and bonded into place. Same Day permanent restorations.
CEREC® is a registered trademark of Sirona Dental Systems