Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
Technological advancement has enabled dentists to offer same-day crown restoration using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-assisted design (CAD). Using this state-of-the art approach, patients no longer have to wait for a long period of time to get crown restoration. More so, restorations created using this technology are metal-free, meaning that your tooth will retain its natural beauty once the process is complete. So how does this technology work? Below is a brief overview of each step that you will go through during CAD/ CAM crown restoration.
Evaluating and preparing the tooth
The first step the dentist will take once you visit the clinic is to thoroughly inspect your tooth. They will use this analysis to decide whether CAD/CAM technology will work for you. The main aim of this examination is to determine the healthy tooth structure that is remaining. If it is substantial, then a simple filling will do. Once the dentist determines that your crown needs restoration, they will administer an anesthesia and prepare the area by removing all the weakened and decayed tooth tissue.
Make an optical impression
The dentist needs to capture the image of the tooth that is to be restored in 3-dimension. They will capture the image with a digital camera and use it to create the restoration. This will save the patient from other messy techniques like biting into molds filled with horrible-tasting goop until the dentist gets the impression right. The dentist will use 3-D software installed on their computer to convert the image into a virtual 3-D model of the tooth that is to be prepared.
Creating the restoration
The dentist will use a milling unit, which resembles a 3-D printer, to develop the customized crown required for the tooth. This is a process that will only take a few minutes. The dentist will use the natural color of your tooth to select the right ceramic block to create your crown. They will use the milling device to create a crown restoration that has a similar color to your natural tooth.
Placement of the restoration
Once the dentist makes the ceramic restoration, they will ask the patient to try it on to ensure that it fits and bites properly, then polish the restoration and bond it into place. This means that you will get the restoration right away and there is no need to get a temporary crown as you wait for the real one to be made. That saves you time and money because the CAD/CAM technology allows the dentist to create the restoration during a single visit.
If you have a tooth than needs crown restoration, talk to a dentist like those at the Pittsburgh Dental Spa about CAD/CAM technology. It is fast, reliable and will bring back your tooth to its natural function and color.
`
Share
25 August 2016
