Exam and Preparation
First,
your Dentist examines the tooth and determines 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
judgement of your Dentist. Next, he or she administers an
anesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing
decayed and weakened tooth tissue. This preparation is just like
he or she would do for many other restorative techniques.
Optical Impression
Then,
your Dentist takes an Optical Impression of the prepared tooth.
Instead of filling a tray with impression "goop" that you must
bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, your Dentist coats
the tooth with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is then used
to take a digital picture of your tooth. This whole Optical
Impression process only takes a minute or two.
No Temporaries
Next, the CEREC machine helps the Dentist create the
restoration for your tooth. The
CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a
3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. Your Dentist then
uses his or her dental expertise to design the restoration using the
CEREC 3D computer program. Within a few minutes, your Dentist clicks
a button, 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 - 20 minutes later, your all-ceramic,
tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place.
Finally, your Dentist tries the restoration 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!
What is CEREC?
CEREC is an acronym
Dr.
Stevens provides all phases of general dentistry, for all ages.
