At Mecca Dental, Dr. Mecca and his team offer CEREC Same-Day Dentistry — this technology may allow qualifying restorations to be designed, created, and placed in one visit, reducing the need for a temporary crown in many cases.
CEREC Same-Day Dentistry Explained
CEREC uses advanced digital imaging and in-office milling to create precise ceramic restorations. The process involves scanning the tooth, designing the restoration on a computer, milling it from a ceramic block, and bonding it the same day. This approach is ideal for single crowns, inlays, onlays, and select veneers.
Digital scans replace cumbersome impression trays, reducing mess and discomfort. The ceramics used are biocompatible, mimicking the shade and translucency of natural teeth.
Benefits
Single-Visit
Save time and minimize time away from work or school.
No Temporaries
Eliminates the need for temporary crowns and risks of loosening or breakage.
Digital Impressions
Comfortable, accurate scans without messy materials.
Natural Look
Tooth-colored ceramics that blend beautifully with surrounding teeth.
Precision Fit
Precision fit and bite alignment through computer-guided design.
Same-Day Custom
Shape and shade adjustments are possible before final bonding.
The CEREC Process
Evaluation and Planning: The tooth is assessed using X-rays or photos.
Tooth Preparation: Decay or old materials are removed, and the tooth is shaped for support.
Digital scan: A camera captures a 3D model of the tooth and bite.
Design: The restoration is customized on-screen for fit, contacts, and anatomy.
Milling: An in-office mill carves the restoration from a ceramic block within minutes.
Try-In: The fit, bite, and shade are checked and refined as necessary.
Finishing and Bonding: The restoration is polished or glazed and then bonded securely.
Final Adjustments: The bite is fine-tuned for natural chewing.
What to Expect
A single-tooth CEREC visit lasts about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Local anesthesia helps keep you comfortable. Mild temperature sensitivity is possible for a few days. Chew gently on the restored tooth for the first 24 hours.
With proper hygiene and regular checkups, CEREC restorations last 10 to 15 years or more. A nightguard is recommended if you clench or grind.
While many situations are ideal for same-day fabrication, teeth with deep fractures or complex aesthetic needs may benefit from laboratory restorations. Dr. Mecca will present all options during your exam.