CEREC® Same-Day Crowns
CEREC is a digital restorative system that uses intraoral scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to produce a custom ceramic restoration right in the dental office. Instead of taking physical impressions and sending them to an off-site lab (where traditional crowns may take one to two weeks to return), the CEREC workflow is completed while you wait.
Why Patients And Dentists Choose CEREC in Los Altos, CA
There are multiple reasons CEREC has become popular in modern restorative dentistry:
Time Savings And Convenience
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is convenience: one appointment, one anesthetic event, and no temporary crown to manage. That’s especially valuable for patients with busy schedules, travel constraints, or dental anxiety who prefer fewer office visits.
Fewer Provisional Problems
Temporary crowns can become loose, broken, or uncomfortable. With same-day crowns, there is no interim crown to fail — you leave with a durable, permanent restoration.
Precise Fit And Function
Digital scans reduce distortions associated with traditional impression materials. The CAD/CAM process produces a consistent fit that improves marginal integrity and reduces the chance of postoperative sensitivity or recurrent decay at crown margins.
Excellent Esthetics
Modern CAD/CAM ceramic blocks (available in a variety of shades and translucencies) allow us to match the crown closely to your natural dentition. The ceramics used have lifelike optical properties, and final polishing or staining/glazing can further enhance realism.
Durable And Biocompatible Materials
High-strength ceramics used in CEREC crowns, like lithium disilicate, combine strength with esthetics and are well-tolerated by soft tissues. These materials resist wear and discoloration when maintained properly.
The CEREC Treatment Process in Los Altos, CA
At Saumya Ram, DDS, we follow a patient-focused, clinically rigorous protocol to ensure predictable results. Here’s what you can expect:
Examination And Treatment Planning
Dr. Saumya Ram will perform a complete evaluation: clinical exam, radiographs as necessary, and a discussion of options. If a crown is recommended - for a fractured tooth, large filling replacement, root canal–treated tooth, or cosmetic correction, we’ll review whether CEREC is appropriate.
Tooth Preparation
Local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort. The tooth is gently prepared to remove decay or old restorative material and to create the ideal shape for the crown. Our goal is to conserve healthy tooth structure while providing space for a durable ceramic restoration.
Digital Scanning
A handheld intraoral scanner captures detailed, three-dimensional images of the prepared tooth, the opposing dentition, and how your teeth come together (occlusion). This replaces traditional impression materials and is faster, cleaner, and more comfortable for most patients.
Digital Design (CAD)
Using the CEREC software, the dentist designs the crown on screen. The software proposes an initial shape based on your tooth anatomy and bite; Dr. Ram refines contours, contact points, and marginal fit. This step ensures proper function and natural appearance.
Milling (CAM)
The finalized design is sent to an in-office milling unit that fabricates the crown from a ceramic block. Milling typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on the restoration complexity and material.
Characterization And Finishing
After milling, the crown is finished - stained, glazed, or polished - to match adjacent teeth. Final adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit and bite alignment.
Cementation
The crown is cemented or bonded with a strong adhesive protocol tailored to the material. We verify occlusion and make any final refinements. You walk out of the office with a permanent restoration. Contact us to learn more.
Who Is A Candidate For CEREC Same-day Crowns in Los Altos, CA?
Most patients who need a single crown can benefit from a CEREC restoration. Ideal candidates include those who:
- Need a crown due to decay, fracture, or large existing restorations.
- Want to avoid multiple visits and temporary crowns.
- Need an esthetic restoration in the anterior region.
- Seek conservative tooth preparation and an accurate fit.
Dr. Ram will discuss candidacy during your consultation and recommend the best restorative pathway.
Longevity And Performance
When placed with proper technique and maintained with good oral hygiene, CEREC crowns offer long-term durability comparable to traditional crowns. Factors that influence longevity include:
- Tooth location (posterior crowns face higher chewing forces).
- Occlusal scheme and parafunctional habits (e.g., grinding).
- Oral hygiene and periodontal health.
- Adequacy of tooth preparation and adhesive technique.
Routine dental visits and nighttime appliances for bruxism, when indicated, help extend the life of your crown.
Conclusion
CEREC same-day crowns represent a major advance in restorative dentistry, combining accuracy, esthetics, and patient convenience. For many patients, a single appointment replacement offers a superior experience: no messy impressions, no temporary crowns, and immediate, beautiful results.
If you’re considering a crown or need to replace an old, broken, or unsightly restoration, we invite you to schedule an evaluation at Saumya Ram, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Altos, CA. Dr. Saumya Ram will assess your needs, explain all treatment options, and help you choose a solution that balances durability, function, and esthetics. With modern digital workflows like CEREC, we can often restore your tooth quickly and confidently, so you can get back to smiling with comfort and confidence.
To learn more, visit Saumya Ram, DDS, at 826 Altos Oaks Dr Ste 1, Los Altos, CA 94024, or call (650) 941-6557.
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