CEREC

Dr. Mead uses advanced CEREC technology

CEREC is an advanced dental restorative system that Dr. Mead uses to restore decayed teeth, place crowns, remove defective amalgam fillings, or place cosmetic veneers in just one appointment. This allows you to have the highest quality, most lifelike dental restorations in just one visit.  You can be in, out, and on with your busy life.

The CEREC Procedure

The CEREC Procedure shares some common steps with other traditional restorative techniques. However, this advanced technology allows you to receive a beautiful, custom restoration that is superior in fit and strength, in far less time.

Optical Impression and Preparation

If a CEREC restoration is the right option for your treatment, Dr. Mead will start by taking an optical impression of your damaged tooth, as well as the surrounding teeth.  This digital information will help Dr. Mead create a restoration that matches your other teeth in size and shape.

Our patients appreciate  the ease of Optical Impressions.  Instead of filling a tray with impression “goop” that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, we coat the tooth with a non-toxic, tasteless powder.  A camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth. This whole Optical Impression process takes only a minute or two.

Next, Dr. Mead will prepare your tooth by removing all the decayed and weakened tooth tissue.  In many cases, he will then build up the remaining tooth to create a strong foundation to support your final restoration.   A second Optical Impression is taken of your prepared tooth so that a perfectly fitting restoration can be designed.  

Designing the Restoration

The CEREC Acquisition Unit houses a medical grade computer that converts your optical impression to a three-dimensional virtual model of your prepared tooth.  Next, Dr. Mead designs your restoration right on screen using the software while you wait (and watch!).  Your design data is then communicated via a wireless radio signal to the CEREC Milling Unit.

Milling Your Custom Restoration

Dr. Mead creates custom CEREC restorations

The CEREC Milling Unit is right in our office.  We will select a ceramic block that matches the shade of your tooth being repaired. Your design data directs two diamond-coated burs to carve the block into a completely customized restoration.  This process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on the size and type of restoration.  After the milling is finished, Dr. Mead ensures a perfect fit, polishes the finished filling or crown and bonds it into place.

CEREC® is a registered trademark of Sirona Dental Systems