Cerec Clinic
In the past, dentists used to take an impression of the crown, send it to the laboratory, and wait for several days or weeks for it to be prepared. However, with the advanced CEREC device available at our clinic, the crown or operative filling can be prepared within minutes during the same session, significantly reducing the waiting time for the patient and eliminating the need for multiple appointments.
Videos
Creating a computerized dental crown
Steps for accurately placing ceramic fillings
Creating a computerized CEREC dental crown
Types of dental fillings
There are two types of fillings: direct and indirect.
The first type, direct fillings, involves the usual steps of drilling the tooth, removing decay, and placing the filling. These fillings are usually made of composite resin, which has the following advantages:
• It matches the color of the teeth, making it aesthetically acceptable.
• It has a long lifespan.
• A specific shape is created in the tooth to accommodate the filling, ensuring that the filling and tooth are protected from breaking and compensating for the missing part of the tooth.
• It adheres well to the surface of the tooth, reducing the likelihood of food debris getting trapped between the filling and the tooth compared to metal fillings.
In the past, metal fillings were used, but they did not adhere well to the tooth and required a larger hole to be drilled in the tooth, weakening it and increasing the likelihood of it breaking. Additionally, metal fillings contain a percentage of mercury, which is medically unacceptable and aesthetically unappealing to patients.
The second type of filling is the indirect restoration
Indirect fillings require taking a mold of the cavity, decay, or missing part of the tooth. This mold is used to create the filling made of porcelain or ceramic in the lab, and it is fitted to the patient within a day or two. Alternatively, it is possible to create the filling during the same visit using a CEREC machine.
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When do you need a bridge or crown ?
When one or more teeth are lost, a bridge is usually fitted to compensate for the missing or broken teeth. On the other hand, crowns may be needed due to a large crack in the tooth, deep decay, or a cosmetic issue with the tooth, such as discoloration, shape, or alignment.
When do you need dental veneers ?
There are several scenarios where a veneer may be needed.
Firstly, in the case of deep decay, when it is not possible to compensate for it with a filling alone, a veneer may be needed.
Secondly, if there is a fracture or crack in the tooth, a strong material such as ceramic or porcelain may be needed to compensate for it.
Thirdly, in cosmetic cases where there is a problem with the shape, color, or alignment of the tooth, a veneer may be used to correct it.
How can the type of filling used be determined ?
The appropriate type of filling for a tooth can be determined based on several factors, including:
• The depth of the decay in the tooth
• Whether the tooth has undergone root canal treatment
• The location of the tooth in the jaw
• The aesthetic positioning of the tooth, especially if it is in the front teeth
Taking these factors into consideration, the dentist will create an appropriate treatment plan and choose the type of filling accordingly.
