There’s a lot of talk these days about same-day crowns in Annapolis. But do the results match the message you’ve heard? In this post we’ll talk about this important topic.
The Benefits of Modern Digital Technology
Dental medicine is a demanding profession. Not only must dentists have plenty of textbook knowledge, they must also have a high degree of manual dexterity as well as a keen eye. This is because dental prosthetic such as crowns must match the patient’s mouth with incredible accuracy.
In the past, the only way to achieve precision results was for the dentist to create a mold of the patient’s teeth and send this off to a distant dental lab. Technicians at that site would create the actual crown or other restoration.
This process could take up to four weeks to complete. In the meantime, the patient had no choice but to endure discomfort and wait for the crown to arrive.
Those days are now in the past thanks to modern dental technology. Same-day crowns enable patients to receive their restoration on the same day as their exam. The dentist uses a small digital scanning device to create an ultraprecise image of the patient’s oral profile.
This information is uploaded to an on-site device that creates the actual crown. This technology is essentially a more powerful version of the 3-D printers you may have seen or read about. The dentist completes the restoration and the patient walks out with the finished crown in place.
Why Same-Day Crowns Are Better
Most patients prefer the same-day crown approach to older methods. Here’s why:
- Quick results. There is no need to wait weeks to enjoy the benefits of treatment.
- Comfort. Same-day crowns save the patient from having to go through an uncomfortable waiting period.
- Strength and beauty. Same-day crowns are made from medical-great ceramics. The results are not only beautiful, they typically last for 10 years or more. In fact, 84% of same-day crowns are still in place 18 years after treatment.
Caring for same-day crowns is easy. The patient should brush at least twice a day, floss daily, eat a diet high in vitamins and low in sugar, and see his or her dentist as recommended for exams and cleanings.
“I’ve Heard the Term CEREC Used in Reference to Same-Day Crowns. What Does It Mean?”
CEREC stands for “chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics.” It can also mean simply “ceramic reconstruction.” It refers to the technology that makes same-day crowns possible. If all that sounds vague or high-tech, then don’t let it worry you. The important thing is the benefits that you as a dental patient can now enjoy.
Not every dentist in Annapolis offers same-day crowns. Check with your provider to see if it currently provides this option. The small amount of time you invest in researching your choices will more than pay for itself with a better life and a beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Goodman has been practicing dentistry here in Annapolis for almost 40 years. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national honor society for dentists who graduated in the top10% of their class. You can reach Dr. Goodman’s office online or by calling (410) 263-1919.