CEREC Same-Day Dental Restorations in Turners Falls, MA
Turners Falls Dental is one of the only Franklin County dental practices offering CEREC single-visit ceramic tooth restorations. Why come back for a second appointment when you don’t have to? With CEREC technology, Dr. Collura can design, mill, and place your custom crown — all in a single visit. Call (413) 774-6553 to learn more or schedule your appointment today.
What Is CEREC?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) was introduced by Sirona Dental Systems in 1985 and has since become the most trusted system for single-visit, chairside dental restorations. The technology has undergone multiple major upgrades and can now produce all-ceramic crowns with a level of precision that surpasses traditional lab-fabricated methods. At Turners Falls Dental, we back every CEREC crown with a 10-year warranty — as long as you maintain regular checkups and cleanings.
CEREC isn’t just for crowns. This advanced system is also used for:
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers for chipped or discolored front teeth
- New tooth-colored fillings
- Replacing old amalgam (silver) fillings
How the CEREC Process Works
The CEREC process is streamlined from start to finish, eliminating the need for messy impression materials or temporary crowns. Here’s what to expect:
- Examination: Dr. Collura evaluates your tooth and determines the best type of restoration for your specific situation.
- Digital Impression: An optical scan is taken using a special 3D camera — no messy putty or gagging involved. The image is transferred directly to our chairside computer.
- Custom Design: Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, your restoration is precisely designed to account for every clinical detail of your unique bite and tooth structure.
- In-Office Milling: The design is sent to our in-office milling machine, which fabricates your custom, color-matched ceramic restoration in approximately 15 minutes.
- Placement: Your new restoration is fitted, polished, and permanently bonded in place. The entire process typically takes one to two hours.
Why Choose CEREC at Turners Falls Dental?
CEREC offers significant advantages over traditional crown procedures, which typically require two separate appointments and a temporary crown in between. With CEREC at Turners Falls Dental, you get:
- Completed in a single visit — no need to take time off work twice
- Computer-assisted design for a precise, accurate fit
- Metal-free restorations — no dark lines or bulky appearance
- Natural look and feel with the same translucency as a real tooth
- No temporary crowns necessary
- Immediate bonding preserves more of your natural tooth structure
- No messy impression material to deal with
- Reduced environmental footprint by eliminating disposable dental lab materials
- Conservative tooth preparation — more of your natural tooth is preserved
CEREC same-day crowns pair perfectly with our comprehensive dental exams. If Dr. Collura identifies a tooth that needs a crown during your exam, you may be able to have your restoration completed that same day. We also use CEREC for patients receiving root canal treatment, since a crown is typically needed to protect the treated tooth afterward. For patients interested in cosmetic improvements, CEREC veneers are another option worth discussing.
Is CEREC Right for You?
If a tooth needs a crown, CEREC is a viable option for most patients. However, every treatment plan is individualized. Some patients may have specific clinical situations where traditional crowns are more appropriate. Dr. Collura will review your case and discuss all available options with you. All CEREC crowns come with our 10-year warranty when you maintain your regular hygiene appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC
What is CEREC and how does it work?
CEREC is a chairside dental restoration system that uses 3D digital scanning and computer-aided design to create custom ceramic crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers right in our office. After scanning your tooth digitally, our milling machine fabricates your restoration in about 15 minutes. Dr. Collura then fits, polishes, and bonds it in place — all within one appointment at Turners Falls Dental.
How long does a CEREC appointment take?
Most CEREC restorations are completed in a single 90-minute to 2-hour appointment. There’s no need for a second visit, temporary crown, or waiting on a dental lab. About 99% of CEREC cases at Turners Falls Dental are fully completed in one visit.
Is a CEREC crown as strong as a traditional crown?
Yes. CEREC all-ceramic crowns are highly durable and designed to withstand the forces of normal chewing. They are also metal-free, which means no dark lines at the gum line and a more natural appearance. Turners Falls Dental backs every CEREC crown with a 10-year warranty.
What other treatments can CEREC be used for besides crowns?
In addition to crowns, CEREC is used for inlays, onlays, veneers for chipped or discolored teeth, new tooth-colored fillings, and replacing old amalgam fillings. Ask Dr. Collura whether CEREC is right for your specific dental concern.
Does CEREC hurt?
The CEREC process itself involves no pain. The procedure is the same as a traditional crown preparation, but without the messy impression materials or the discomfort of wearing a temporary crown for weeks. Dr. Collura uses local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout.
How much does a CEREC crown cost?
CEREC crown costs are generally comparable to traditional crowns and are often covered by dental insurance in the same way. Contact our office at (413) 774-6553 to discuss your specific insurance coverage and payment options, including our in-house discount plan.
Do I need to come back after getting a CEREC crown?
No follow-up appointment is needed for the crown itself. However, we do recommend maintaining your regular dental cleanings and exams at Turners Falls Dental to keep your new restoration — and your overall oral health — in excellent shape.