CEREC® Dentist San Jose, CA
CEREC® is a method of creating dental restorations, including ceramic crowns, veneers, and onlays to restore a smile quickly. CEREC dentists can create high-quality restorations in the office and immediately place them on the patient. Everything from scanning to milling is done on-site, usually in one day.
CEREC is available at Blossom Dental Excellence in San Jose and the surrounding area. Our team is happy to discuss whether this quick and precise restoration option is the right choice for you. Call us today at (408) 444-9984 to make an appointment.
Understanding CEREC
CEREC, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a computer-assisted technology that enables dentists to create same-day permanent dental restorations. This technology also makes precision parts, tools, and even vehicles for decades. It has allowed cosmetic dentists to create dental restoration solutions that would not be possible otherwise.
The design process involves three-dimensional imaging of the patient's teeth and bite to create customized dental restorations. A study in the Journal of Oral Implantology shows that the resulting restoration is less prone to error than a traditional one. This cutting-edge process is a quick and precise means of producing ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and more.
“CEREC, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a computer-assisted technology that enables dentists to create same-day permanent dental restorations.”
Benefits of Choosing a CEREC Restoration
Choosing a CEREC restoration over a traditional dental restoration has its advantages. Three-dimensional imaging means no messy impressions to induce gagging. The path to getting a permanent CEREC restoration is quick, lasting hours or days instead of weeks or months like the lost-wax casting method requires. As the restoration is created quickly in the dental office, there is no need for an interim temporary crown.
CEREC restorations are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The restoration is ceramic, so there is no visible metal to block transparency. The restoration material matches natural teeth and looks and feels like the rest of your teeth.
“Choosing a CEREC restoration over a traditional dental restoration has its advantages.”
How CEREC Works
CEREC uses Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling (CAD-CAM) technology to create same-day restorations. CEREC technology allows dentists to quickly and precisely create natural dental restorations for each patient's specifications. The patient will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the process to minimize discomfort.
Then, we will prepare the implant or tooth to receive the restoration by using an intraoral scanner to take digital images of the treatment area. CEREC technology converts the image into a three-dimensional virtual model, and the software designs the final restoration. The CEREC mill accurately carves the custom restoration out of a ceramic block before our team reviews the restoration to ensure it fits properly. Once the restoration has been milled, colored, and polished, the dentist cements it to the prepared tooth or dental implant.
“CEREC uses Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Milling (CAD-CAM) technology to create same-day restorations.”
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Expected Processing Time for CEREC
After removing any tooth decay, intraoral scanners collect measurements for the CAD/CAM system. The restoration design may take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple piece to thirty minutes for a bridge.
Once complete, the cosmetic dentist will fit the piece into the patient's mouth and examine it for fit and proper function. It is then glazed and fired before a second fitting with the patient, where the restoration is cemented into place and polished. The entire process takes about two hours, with the patient waiting 30 to 45 minutes in total between fittings and finalization.
“The restoration design may take anywhere from a few minutes for a simple piece to thirty minutes for a bridge.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the expected processing time for CEREC treatments?
Q. What are the benefits of CEREC?
Q. What are the steps in the CEREC restoration process?
Q. How should patients take care of their CEREC restorations?
People Also Ask
Q. What is entailed in the process before getting a dental crown?
Q. When should I see the dentist?
Q. When would I need a dental restoration?
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
What To Expect After Receiving a CEREC Restoration
The CEREC restoration should be treated gently for the first 24 hours so the adhesive can cure completely. Beyond a bit of discomfort and sensitivity for the first few days, no complications are expected. Recommendations include no chewing of hard or sticky foods, such as ice or chewy candy. Even after 24 hours, care should be taken not to damage the restoration.
All teeth should be brushed and flossed daily, and the patient should continue to have regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months. Getting a CEREC restoration is a reliable choice as it tends to be strong and likely to last and resist abrasion. The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free.
“The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do CEREC restorations cost more than traditional ones?
A. CEREC restorations cost around the same amount as traditional ones. Although insurance usually covers CEREC at the same rate as traditional restorations, each patient should request a detailed estimate from an insurance provider in advance. CEREC does not require an additional appointment like other restorations do and may save some patients the cost of another appointment.
Q. Will my CEREC crown only take one day to implant?
A. Having a CEREC machine on-site means the dentist does not have to send impressions to a dental lab to create crowns. Most restorations take one day to complete. A CEREC restoration does not take as long as a traditional, lab-created crown to make.
Q. Does getting a CEREC restoration hurt?
A. Before the restoration, the cosmetic dentist will apply a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. It is normal for teeth to feel sensitive for up to two weeks after the procedure. Patients may experience discomfort when eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold.
Q. Can CEREC technology handle zirconia crowns?
A. According to a BMC Oral Health study, chairside CEREC machines can also use zirconia blocks. As zirconia is crystalline at room temperature, it has to be heat-treated to form a solid block for the milling machine. Once the zirconia crown is milled, it is heated again before being cemented in place.
Q. How does CEREC work with dental implants?
A. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. Individual implants require crowns to complete the restoration and create functional prosthetic teeth. CEREC crowns can bond to implant abutments, just like traditional crowns. CEREC crown strength makes them an excellent choice for dental implants.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Blossom Dental Excellence in San Jose now offers CEREC technology to help patients receive quick and accurate dental restorations. To find out if this same-day restoration is right for you, call us at (408) 444-9984.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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