CEREC® technology delivers same-day dental crowns in Newport

/in /by

CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a sophisticated CAD/CAM system that allows dentists to design, fabricate, and place high-quality ceramic crowns in a single appointment. This technology eliminates the need for uncomfortable putty impressions, temporary crowns, and multiple office visits. For our patients in Newport and Dandridge, CEREC® represents the ultimate intersection of clinical precision and modern convenience.

The traditional process for receiving a dental crown typically requires two appointments spaced two weeks apart. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, a physical mold is taken, and a plastic temporary crown is cemented. This temporary is often prone to falling off or leaking, causing sensitivity. With CEREC® at Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, that entire timeline is condensed into about two hours. We use a high-resolution intraoral camera to take a 3D digital scan of your prepared tooth. This data is then sent to our in-office milling unit, the Primemill, which carves your custom crown from a solid block of high-strength ceramic.

Because the crown is designed digitally, the fit is incredibly precise—often exceeding the accuracy of traditional lab-made restorations. The ceramic materials we use are biocompatible and designed to mimic the physical properties of natural tooth enamel, including its expansion and contraction with temperature changes. This results in a restoration that not only looks beautiful but is also highly durable. For the busy residents of Cocke and Jefferson Counties, this means less time in the dental chair and more time enjoying life in East Tennessee.

FAQ: The One-Visit Experience

  • Is the crown as strong as a lab-made one? Yes. Modern CEREC® blocks are made of high-quality porcelain or zirconia, which are just as durable as those produced in a traditional dental laboratory.
  • Does it look natural? Absolutely. We custom-stain and glaze each crown in-house to match the exact shade and translucency of your surrounding teeth.
  • Is the digital scan uncomfortable? Not at all. The scanner is a small, handheld wand that avoids the “gagging” sensation often associated with traditional impression trays.
  • Can any tooth get a same-day crown? Most teeth requiring a crown are candidates for CEREC®, though Dr. Westmorland will evaluate your specific clinical needs during the exam.