Dr. Tyler Ghadoushi uses CEREC technology to design, mill, and place many custom ceramic crowns in a single visit at our Los Angeles office — so in most cases there is no temporary crown and no second appointment.
CEREC SAME-DAY CROWNS
A conventional crown is typically made by an outside lab, which means two appointments a few weeks apart and a temporary crown in between. With CEREC, Dr. Ghadoushi takes a digital scan of your prepared tooth, designs the crown on-screen, and mills it from a solid block of tooth-colored ceramic right here in the office. The visit often takes about 1.5–2 hours, though timing varies with the tooth and the case.
The finished crown covers and protects the tooth, and it is shaped to fit your bite and blend with the teeth beside it.
WHEN IS A CROWN NEEDED?
A crown is often recommended when a tooth is too weak for a filling but still has a healthy root worth keeping. Dr. Ghadoushi examines the tooth and X-rays first; these are the most common reasons.
When decay or a worn filling involves much of the tooth, a crown can cover and support what remains better than another filling may.
Covering a cracked tooth helps hold it together and may keep the crack from spreading, so chewing feels more comfortable.
Back teeth that have had root canal therapy can become more brittle. A crown is usually placed afterward to help protect the tooth from breaking.
A dental implant needs a crown on top to act as the visible tooth. We shape and shade it to fit in with the teeth around it.
Teeth that are badly worn, misshapen, or stained beyond what whitening can help may be covered with a crown to improve both shape and color.
A dental bridge is supported by crowns on the teeth beside a gap, which hold the replacement tooth in place.
THE CEREC PROCESS
After numbing the area, Dr. Ghadoushi removes damaged tooth structure and shapes the tooth to receive a crown. A digital scan captures the prepared tooth and your bite, and the CEREC software is used to design a crown that fits the space and lines up with neighboring teeth. The design is then sent to our in-office milling unit, which carves the crown from a ceramic block.
The crown is finished and polished, tried in, and checked for fit and bite before it is bonded in place. Milling and finishing time varies, so plan for a visit that often runs about 1.5–2 hours.
WHY SAME-DAY CROWNS
For many teeth, CEREC is a convenient alternative to the traditional two-visit crown. Dr. Ghadoushi will let you know whether a same-day crown suits your tooth.
Most same-day crowns are completed in one visit, which can mean less time away from work and one less round of numbing.
Your crown is designed from a digital scan of your tooth and bite, so there are no putty trays and the fit can be reviewed on-screen before milling.
CEREC crowns are milled from durable, tooth-colored ceramic. With good care, crowns often last many years, though lifespan varies by patient.
The ceramic shade is chosen to blend with your neighboring teeth, and the crown is polished to give it a natural surface and luster.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions about crowns and same-day CEREC treatment at our Los Angeles office.
Many same-day CEREC crown visits take about 1.5–2 hours from start to finish. The exact time varies with the tooth, how much repair it needs, and the crown design. We will give you an estimate when you schedule.
Crowns often last many years, and some last well over a decade. How long yours lasts varies by patient and depends on your bite, habits like grinding, and how well you care for the tooth and gums around it.
The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before preparation, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days afterward is common and usually fades on its own. Nitrous oxide is also available if you feel anxious.
Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to the gumline where the crown meets the tooth, because the tooth underneath can still develop decay. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, and ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Not always. Many teeth are good candidates, but some situations, such as certain bridges or more complex cases, may be better served by a lab-made restoration. Dr. Ghadoushi will review your exam and X-rays and explain which option fits your tooth.
Many PPO plans include some coverage for crowns that are needed for a dental reason, but benefits vary from plan to plan. Our team can verify your benefits and give you a cost estimate before treatment, and financing options are available.
A cracked or heavily filled tooth may keep weakening and can break in a way that is harder to repair. In some cases, the damage can reach the nerve and lead to a root canal or extraction. Your dentist can explain the specific risks for your tooth.
If you have a cracked, worn, or heavily filled tooth, schedule an exam at our Los Angeles office. Dr. Ghadoushi will explain your options and whether a CEREC crown can be completed in one visit.