Restorative dentistry
CEREC Same-Day Crowns in Vancouver
A dental crown can help restore a tooth that is weakened, cracked or heavily restored. At Westcoast Smile in Kitsilano, CEREC technology lets us digitally scan, design and mill a ceramic restoration in-office, so suitable crown cases may be completed in a single appointment.
CEREC crown treatment at a glance
Digital scan
A digital intraoral scan records the prepared tooth and surrounding bite without a conventional impression tray in the CEREC workflow.
Digital design
The restoration is designed digitally so the dentist can evaluate shape, contacts and how it relates to the surrounding teeth.
In-office milling
For suitable cases, the ceramic restoration can be milled in the clinic rather than being sent away for conventional laboratory fabrication.
Same-day potential
When the tooth and treatment plan are appropriate for CEREC, the final crown may be designed, made and placed during the same visit.
When might a tooth need a crown?
A crown covers and protects the visible portion of a tooth. It may be considered when a tooth has lost substantial structure, is cracked or weakened, has a very large restoration, or needs greater protection after other dental treatment. The right restoration depends on how much healthy tooth remains, the location of the tooth, your bite and the reason the tooth needs treatment.
- A tooth with a large fracture or significant structural loss
- A tooth weakened by extensive decay or a large existing filling
- A tooth that requires protection following root-canal treatment, when clinically appropriate
- A tooth where a full-coverage restoration offers a more suitable option than a filling, onlay or inlay
If your treatment involves a conventional crown, bridge, or a case that is not suitable for chairside CEREC fabrication, our crowns and bridges information explains the broader restorative options available.
How the CEREC same-day crown process works
Your exact appointment can vary according to the tooth and treatment required. A typical CEREC crown workflow includes these stages.
Step 1
Examine and prepare
The dentist examines the tooth, reviews the treatment plan and prepares the tooth as needed for the selected restoration.
Step 2
Scan and design
An intraoral scanner captures the prepared tooth and bite. The restoration is then designed digitally for the clinical situation.
Step 3
Mill and finish
The restoration is milled from an appropriate ceramic block and finished according to the treatment plan.
Step 4
Check and place
The dentist evaluates the fit, contacts and bite before the restoration is bonded or cemented into place.
Is every crown a same-day CEREC crown?
No. CEREC is a useful digital restorative system, but the best treatment still depends on the tooth and the clinical situation. The dentist considers the amount of remaining tooth structure, location of the tooth, bite forces, restorative material requirements and whether another treatment pathway is more appropriate.
Some cases are better suited to conventional laboratory fabrication or another restoration. In other situations, a more conservative option such as an onlay or inlay may be considered instead of a full crown. Your examination is what determines the appropriate approach.
Westcoast Smile also provides broader general dentistry services in Vancouver for patients whose needs extend beyond a same-day crown. If your dentist identifies bite-related factors that could affect a restoration, you can also review our information about bite correction and TMJ/TMD treatment.
CEREC same-day crowns compared with a conventional crown workflow
CEREC same-day workflow
Digital chairside scan and design
Conventional / laboratory workflow
May use a digital or conventional impression and laboratory workflow
CEREC same-day workflow
Suitable restorations can be milled in the clinic
Conventional / laboratory workflow
The final restoration is commonly fabricated outside the clinic
CEREC same-day workflow
Suitable cases may be completed in one appointment
Conventional / laboratory workflow
Often involves a preparation visit and a later placement visit
CEREC same-day workflow
A temporary crown may not be needed when the final restoration is completed that day
Conventional / laboratory workflow
A temporary restoration may be used while the final crown is being fabricated
Neither pathway is automatically better for every patient. The goal is to choose the restorative approach that fits the tooth, bite, material requirements and treatment plan. Patients who are comparing restorative materials can also read about our amalgam-free dentistry approach.
Frequently asked questions about CEREC crowns
Can a dental crown really be made in one day?
Yes, suitable CEREC cases can be digitally scanned, designed, milled and placed during the same appointment. Not every tooth or restoration is appropriate for a same-day workflow, so an examination is required first.
Does CEREC use an X-ray to make the crown?
The CEREC restorative workflow uses an intraoral digital scan to capture the tooth and bite for design. Dental X-rays may still be recommended separately when the dentist needs diagnostic information about the tooth, roots or surrounding structures.
Will I need a temporary crown?
If a suitable CEREC crown is completed and placed during the same appointment, a temporary crown is usually unnecessary. If treatment requires a different workflow, a temporary restoration may still be appropriate.
How long does a CEREC crown appointment take?
Appointment length varies with the tooth, preparation and restoration being made. Same-day treatment often requires a longer single visit than a routine filling because the scan, design, milling, finishing and placement occur during the appointment. The dental team can provide a more specific estimate after assessing your case.
How long can a ceramic crown last?
No crown has a guaranteed lifespan. Longevity depends on the tooth, restorative material, bite, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene, diet and regular dental care. A crown can also require repair or replacement if the restoration or supporting tooth changes over time.
What if I need a bridge or a different type of crown?
CEREC is one restorative option. If your case requires a bridge, laboratory-fabricated restoration or another approach, review our crowns and bridges information or discuss the available options during your examination.
Ready to plan your next visit?
Request an appointment with Westcoast Smile Dental in Kitsilano, Vancouver.