CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns La Crosse

High-Quality Dental Crowns in Just One Visit

Female dental patient in red shirt sitting in dental chair and smiling

When your tooth is damaged, you’ll naturally want to have it restored as soon as possible. However, with traditional methods, it can take at least two appointments to get a permanent dental crown. Fortunately, thanks to state-of-the-art CEREC technology, Dr. Saphner is able to create crowns in-office, meaning you can receive your final restoration in just one visit! If you’re interested in getting a CEREC same-day dental crown, give us a call today.

Why Choose All Smiles Implants and Family Dental for CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?

  • High-Quality, Long-Lasting Dental Crowns
  • Highly Trained, Caring Dentist
  • Flexible Financing Options Available

What are CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns?

CEREC same-day dental crown in La Crosse, WI sitting on reflective surface

CEREC is an acronym that can either stand for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics or CEramic REConstruction. Simply put, it’s a system that makes it possible for dentists to create crowns without having to rely on a separate dental laboratory.

The CEREC system utilizes a digital infrared camera that can be used to capture virtual impressions of the teeth. It also involves specialized software that can design restorations based on the patient’s unique needs as well as a high-speed milling system for the actual creation of the crown.

A CEREC same-day dental crown is made out of a block of ceramic material. As such, it will look very natural once it has been placed on your tooth.

The Process of Getting a CEREC Same-Day Dental Crown

Close-up of ceramic block in CEREC machine

Before you can receive a CEREC same-day dental crown, we’ll need to prepare your tooth by gently filing away a small amount of enamel. This is to ensure that there’s enough room for a crown that doesn’t look too bulky compared to the rest of your smile.

When your tooth is properly prepared, we’ll scan your teeth with our digital infrared camera. The CEREC software will use the information captured by the camera to determine the correct size, color, and shape for your dental crown.  Then our milling unit will create your restoration while you wait.

Once your crown has been made, we’ll double-check to make sure that it fits on your tooth correctly. We can make slight adjustments if need be. If everything looks good, we can complete the process by cementing the crown in place.

The Benefits of CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns

Male dental patient giving a thumbs up

The most obvious benefit of a CEREC same-day dental crown is that it can be designed and placed in just one visit. You won’t have to worry about finding room in your schedule for multiple trips to our office, and there won’t be a temporary dental crown to worry about.

CEREC crowns also come with these additional benefits:

  • They are designed based on digital impressions, so you don’t have to bite down on any messy, bad-tasting putty.
  • They can be custom-shaded so that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
  • Since they don’t contain metal, you don’t have to worry about them changing size when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.

CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns FAQs

How Long Do CEREC Dental Crowns Last?

Like traditional dental crowns, CEREC dental crowns are very durable, but they can only last for so long before they eventually need to be replaced. The longevity of a CEREC crown is not set in stone; some last for around 5 to 7 years, but others can remain in the mouth for as long as 10 or even 15 years.

Generally speaking, your CEREC crown will have a longer lifespan if you go out of your way to take good care of it. To help your restoration last as long as possible, be sure to:

  • Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
  • Avoid bad habits that can damage your crown, such as chewing your fingernails or crunching ice.
  • Visit our office at least two times a year for routine checkups and cleanings, which will give us a chance to check on the condition of your crown and make sure there aren’t any problems developing.

Is a CEREC Crown Covered by Dental Insurance?

Just like traditional crowns, you can usually expect a CEREC crown to be at least partially covered by dental insurance. Since having a dental crown placed is usually considered a major restorative procedure, many insurance plans will pay around 50% of the cost. Of course, this percentage can vary depending on what plan you have. Furthermore, insurance-related factors such as your deductible and your annual maximum can affect the amount you need to pay out of your own pocket.

It’s recommended that you contact your dental insurance provider so that they can confirm what kind of coverage they offer when it comes to CEREC crowns. Furthermore, our team can review your insurance plan with you, answer any questions you might have, and file any necessary claims.

How Long Does It Take to Get a CEREC Crown?

Getting a CEREC crown only requires a single appointment. You can normally expect this visit to take around one and a half to two hours. This estimate includes the 30 to 45 minutes you’ll need to wait for your crown to be made by the in-office milling machine. To help pass the time during this period, it’s a good idea to bring something to read. Once the crown is ready, the process of placing it normally takes around half an hour.

Are CEREC Crowns Durable?

Yes, despite being made in a relatively short amount of time, the durability of CEREC crowns is comparable to that of traditional crowns. You can rest assured that your new restoration will be able to stand up to the wear and tear that it’ll experience every day when you bite or chew your food. Of course, being durable isn’t the same as being indestructible, so take care not to bite down on overly hard foods that could break your crown.