Problems Traditional and CEREC ® Crowns Fix

After porcelain veneers, dental crowns are the most often performed dental treatment at Kuzma Advanced Dentistry. Dr. Kuzma is the best dentist in Wilmington to do your crown because of his innovative technology, and he will fix your tooth with a long-lasting, high-quality dental crown that will restore the health and function of your tooth. A new crown, whether CEREC ® or traditional, will make the tooth beautiful again.

Here are the most common dental problems that dental crowns (both traditional and CEREC ®) are an excellent fix for in most cases:

  • Chipped teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Restoration of dental implant
  • Hold a dental bridge in place
  • Cover a tooth that’s had a root canal (endodontic procedure)

What Does the Dental Crown Process Entail?

mature adult man smilingWhen teeth have a large amount of decay, a dental crown is often the best procedure to correct the problem. If you have a large cavity with a solid tooth foundation, you will likely need a dental crown in Wilmington, NC.

Traditional dental crowns typically take at least two visits. Still, with advanced technology and innovative procedures like CEREC ®, Wilmington dentist Dr. Michael Kuzma offers same-day crowns to patients who make good candidates for this quicker alternative to traditional dental crowns.

Dental crowns are often called “caps” and are tooth-shaped fabrications placed over a damaged tooth—hence, it “caps” the damaged tooth. Before placement of the dental crown, the damaged tooth must be stabilized. Your dental crown will restore the natural feel of your teeth and transform a lackluster tooth or teeth into beautiful, healthy teeth that look completely natural. Dental crowns, whether CEREC ® or traditional, improve your teeth’ function while enhancing your smile’s aesthetics.

A traditional dental crown will require two visits for most patients. You may think, “Then why doesn’t everyone get same-day crowns?” Dr. Kuzma will explain that not everyone is a great candidate for a same-day CEREC ® crown.

Here is what to expect with a traditional crown placement:

  • At the first visit, Dr. Kuzma and his dental team will take x-rays of the damaged tooth or teeth and prepare them to receive a temporary crown.
  • A mold of your tooth or mouth may also be taken.
  • Dr. Kuzma will gently file down your tooth and remove the outer layer of the tooth.
  • An impression will be made of the revised tooth and your surrounding teeth.
  • A temporary crown will be placed over your tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made in a lab.
  • With traditional crowns, you’ll return for your second visit so Dr. Kuzma can cement the permanent crown to your tooth.

How is CEREC ® Different?

CEREC ® same-day crowns are a revolutionary option that a few Wilmington dentists are now offering. CEREC ® stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic and is a dental innovation that uses computers to design and create custom dental crowns in just one visit to Kuzma Advanced Dentistry. 

The first part of the CEREC ® procedure is the same as the traditional dental crown process. Your natural teeth are prepared—some of the natural tooth material is removed, including any damaged or decayed tooth. Then, a digital impression of your teeth is taken. You will be very impressed with this fantastic dental crown technology.

Then, Dr. Kuzma will design your new dental crown on the computer. Then, the crown is sent to a computer-controlled mill that grinds the dental crown out of a preselected color block. You can try it on and ensure the color is correct before it is bonded to your tooth in just one visit to this amazing Wilmington dentist.

The best candidates for CEREC ® crowns are those who:

  • Have a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed
  • Have a root canal infection
  • Looking for a more attractive option than a traditional dental crown
  • Want to avoid the hassle of two visits to your Wilmington dentist

Learn More About CEREC ® and Traditional Dental Crowns in Wilmington, NC

Please call Kuzma Advanced Dentistry at (910) 392-6060 if you know you need a crown or have a dental problem that must be addressed. You may also fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment or ask questions. Upon meeting Dr. Michael J. Kuzma, you’ll quickly learn why he’s the Wilmington dentist so many people have chosen for all of their dental care.