Importance of the CEREC procedure for Phoenix patients

An acronym is a pronounceable word formed from the first letters of other related words. In our hurry-scurry culture, acronyms swirl around us in every type of media. Sometimes we don’t stop to think about what they really mean. My name is Dr. Sameet Koppikar, and I’d like you to take a moment to consider the meaning of an acronym that could be very important to your dental health – CEREC. It describes a procedure that is helping patients in the Phoenix area enjoy lovely, functional smiles with a level of convenience that fits busy schedules.

What Does CEREC Mean?

CEREC technically means CEramic REConstruction; it is an amazing process for creating dental crowns, inlays, and onlays at the dentist’s office instead of off-site at a dental laboratory. Detailed information and images are fed into a robust computer software program. It designs a restoration and sends precise plans to a milling machine. The device carves your crown from a small block of solid, lustrous porcelain.

What Does CEREC Mean to You?

Every case is different, and CEREC restorations are not appropriate in every instance. However, a dentist who offers the option of CEREC has your best interest in mind.

Convenience. Getting a traditional crown typically requires at least two visits to the dentist. One for the tooth to be prepped, and a second about two weeks later, after the lab has created the crown. Meanwhile, you wear a temporary resin crown. With CEREC technology, I have your new tooth in place in a single visit!

Beauty. Natural tooth structure is translucent – some light passes through the enamel layer. A conventional crown with a metal core is opaque; it looks flat and white compared to the adjacent living teeth. A CEREC crown mimics natural teeth beautifully. It can also be stained with subtle color variations for a near-perfect match.

Strength. There was a time when dentists believed that solid porcelain crowns were not strong enough for posterior (back teeth) restorations. With today’s improved ceramic materials, CEREC porcelain crowns withstand the bite force of any position in the mouth. They are quite durable, resisting stains and wear.

Easy care. Your new CEREC crown requires just your usual good oral hygiene. Bear in mind that while the crown cannot get a cavity, it sits on your tooth where decay or gum disease can develop. Brush after eating and floss nightly. Visit Biltmore Dental Center every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning.

I am Dr. Koppikar and I want to be your partner in oral wellness. Call me today at (602) 704-0659 to become a Biltmore Dental Center patient.