What Happens During a CEREC Crown Procedure?

After examination and treatment planning, the tooth — if a crown is indicated — is prepared and digitally scanned. The restoration is designed on screen, manufactured from a suitable material, finished, tried in and then fitted. Same-day treatment can be technically possible, but it is neither suitable nor guaranteed for every starting situation.

A crown can stabilise a severely damaged tooth and restore its shape and function. Whether a full crown, partial crown, inlay, direct filling or another restoration is appropriate depends on the remaining tooth structure, functional load, location of the defect, overall oral situation and treatment goals.

The decision is therefore made only after examination and diagnostic assessment. A digital manufacturing workflow does not change the medical indication.

Before treatment, the tooth, gums, neighbouring teeth and bite are assessed. Depending on the findings, X-rays or other diagnostic steps may be necessary. Under local anaesthesia, damaged tissue is removed and the tooth is prepared so that sufficient space and a defined shape are created for the restoration.

How much tooth structure must be prepared depends on the defect, material and stability requirements. Tooth-preserving alternatives are included in the planning process.

An intraoral scanner records the prepared tooth, neighbouring teeth and opposing jaw. These data are used to create a digital model. The crown's shape, contact points and chewing surfaces are then designed on this model.

In suitable situations, the scan can replace a conventional impression. Moisture, difficult-to-access preparation margins or complex starting situations may require additional measures or a different workflow.

The designed restoration is manufactured from a material selected for the individual case. Depending on the material, further steps may include finishing, polishing, crystallisation or shade individualisation.

The specific material is selected according to factors including tooth position, available space, functional load, aesthetics and the planned bonding or cementation concept. An individual recommendation cannot be derived from a product name alone.

Before final fitting, the seating, margin, contacts with neighbouring teeth, bite and aesthetic appearance are checked. Necessary adjustments are made before or during the try-in. The crown is then adhesively bonded or cemented depending on the material and clinical situation.

After treatment, the tooth and gums may temporarily feel sensitive. Persistent pain, a clearly high bite, loosening or other symptoms should be checked promptly.

• No guarantee that treatment can always be completed in a single appointment.
• No blanket claim that a crown is always more tooth-preserving than every alternative.
• No universal durability guarantee; prognosis and maintenance are individual.
• For complex aesthetic or functional requirements, a dental laboratory may be appropriate.

Whether a crown is appropriate, and which manufacturing workflow makes sense, can only be determined after examination.