CEREC Dentistry: The Future of Dental Restorations

As a provider of CEREC dentistry, we are happy to brag about the latest technology being used in our office.  For patients that are in need of restorations due to a car wreck, sports injury or a health issue, we can complete the restoration in one convenient visit.  We understand that our patients are busy with lives full of meetings, school activities, sports, family obligations and all of the other little things that make up modern life.  This can leave very little time for trips to the dentist.  Moms may find this especially challenging when trying to also arrange for child care or pick-ups and drop-offs.  This is why we have found a faster way to complete restorations.

If your tooth is damaged, we recommend that you visit our office right away so that we can examine it and determine the best way to restore it.  If your tooth is cracked, chipped or the enamel has worn way, there is a good chance that we will recommend using a dental crown to restore it.  A crown surrounds the tooth like a cap so that nothing can touch the tooth underneath.  This makes it possible to save teeth that have been severely damaged while giving you the ability to bite down with force, without the fear of discomfort. 

The past…
Previously, those that needed a dental crown could benefit from this comprehensive solution but in order to get there, it would take at least two appointments.  On the first appointment, an impression would be made of the tooth and the surrounding teeth so that the dental lab could use that information to create a crown in the right size and shape.  Since each crown has to fit perfectly in order for your bite to correctly function, it would take the lab one to two weeks to finish it.  During that time, we would prepare the tooth by removing enough enamel so that when the crown was placed, the surrounding teeth would not be irritated.  Since there was a delay between tooth preparation and receiving the crown, we would place a temporary crown over the tooth in order to protect it.  CEREC dentistry has changed this part of the process.

Right now…
Instead of making an impression of the teeth and sending the information to the lab, we can now take digital images of the damaged tooth and mouth that can be uploaded into our CAD software.  The computer is then able to create the exact specifications for the crowns shape.  These instructions are then sent to a 3D printer for the crown to be created while you wait.  All of this is done using computer technology so that no human intervention is required.  This makes it possible to complete what was previously done in two weeks, in two hours or less.  In the meantime, we will still prepare your tooth. The difference is that we can immediately bond the permanent crown in place so that you don’t have to wear a temporary or come back in for a second step.  This makes CEREC dentistry the wave of the future and a convenient one at that. 

Laser Dentistry Can Be Used to Treat Your Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, laser dentistry is the most comfortable way to treat it.  Gum disease is a serious condition that impacts most people during their lifetime.  In many cases, the irritation is temporary and mild, going away after having your teeth cleaned professionally.  This is the best case scenario and one of the reasons why it is so critical to have your teeth cleaned twice a year.

Those living with gum disease that do not have it treated quickly may begin to experience significant discomfort.  Common symptoms include red, swollen and bleeding gums.  In this initial stage (Gingivitis) the gums may feel sore or sensitive while brushing and eating but not significantly influence your daily activities.  This is the best stage to have the condition treated because we can treat it by cleaning on, around, and under your gums.

Laser dentistry enables us to use a laser to break up the plaque and tartar that have formed underneath the gums.  Once tartar is on the tooth structure below the surface, it is impossible to remove it with regular brushing or flossing.  Either a traditional dental tool needs to get under the gums to scrape the plaque and tartar, which can be uncomfortable or a laser can be used to break it.  The laser is a non-invasive solution that can complete the treatment without the need for an incision.  One of the other benefits of working with a laser is that the surrounding teeth and tissue won’t be irritated.  This means that you can recover from the procedure quickly and without the prolonged downtime that can come from deep cleaning the gums the traditional way.

Removing the plaque and tartar is the first step in treating infected gums, and it is extremely effective.  Once the tartar has been removed, the gums can start to feel healthy and rejuvenated.  Many of our patients find that after this procedure, their gums start to look normal again, and there is no need for further treatment.  This is the best case scenario and the non-invasive natural of laser dentistry, makes this a real possibility.  Once the gums do recover, the swelling decreases, and they are secured to the tooth; the risk of other issues like bone loss is eliminated.

If you have sensitive gums that are swollen or look like they are receding, you probably have some form of gum disease.  When considering whether or not to have it treated, think of how important your gums are to your oral health.  The gums surround the tooth structure and the root system in order to protect them.  When gum disease is left untreated, the gums will start to pull back from the tooth (recede).  As a result, the tooth structure and roots will be exposed and susceptible to being attacked by bacteria and acid.  This can lead to infections and even worse – bone loss.  Many people have experienced tooth loss as a result and thanks to laser dentistry; this is something that you can prevent with minimal effort.