Specialty Services
DENTAL SERVICES IN MANSFIELD, ONTARIO & LEXINGTON, OH
CEREC® System
The CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) system allows a dentist to design, create and fit a new crown, veneer or inlay in a single visit. Using conventional procedures, this process can take up to three weeks to complete.
The multi-instrument CEREC system consists of an infrared digital camera, a computer with 3-D imaging software, and a milling unit with diamond blades for quick, precise and highly detailed construction of restorations.
How CEREC Technology Works
The dentist prepares the affected tooth before fitting it for a restoration. Instead of using dental putty to take an impression of the tooth, a digital picture is taken using the CEREC camera. With computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, the CEREC software converts the digital picture into a 3-D virtual model of the prepared tooth. This image is then used as a guide in designing the new restoration.
Once the dentist is satisfied with the virtual tooth, the data is sent to the on-site CEREC milling unit. The new tooth is then fabricated from a block of high-quality ceramic, which comes in a wide variety of colors and shades to ensure that the restoration matches the surrounding teeth. Processing usually takes less than 20 minutes.
After the milling is finished, the dentist polishes the filling or crown, and bonds it into place in the patient's mouth.
Advantages of the CEREC System
When compared to traditional restoration, CEREC restoration has several advantages.
Single-Appointment Dental Care
With the CEREC system, the patient needs to visit the dentist only once, instead of the usual two or three times required with conventional restoration procedures. The patient is able to leave the dentist's office fitted with the final product.
Complete Control by the Dentist
Because the restoration is designed and fabricated from start to finish by the dentist, a single person has complete control over how the restoration will look and fit. By contrast, a crown made in a laboratory is partially under the control of a technician unfamiliar with the patient.
No Need for Temporary Restorations
Conventional restoration procedures require that the patient wear temporary restorations while the laboratory prepares the final product. Temporary restorations may fit imprecisely or even fall off. The CEREC system eliminates this issue.
Made From Strong Ceramic
The CEREC system uses strong, tooth-colored ceramic to restore teeth to their natural strength, beauty and function. Not only does a CEREC restoration match the look of the rest of the teeth, the material used closely matches the composition of the natural teeth, allowing the patient to eat hot and cold foods without worrying that the restoration will crack from extreme temperatures.
The CEREC system significantly streamlines the dental-restoration process for both dentist and patient.
Please visit www.cereconline.com to learn more!
CEREC® System FAQs
What Is The CEREC® System?
The CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) multi-instrument system allows dentists to create and place custom-fit ceramic restorations during a single patient visit.
How Long Does The CEREC Procedure Take?
The complete CEREC procedure takes place during one appointment, and lasts only about 30 minutes. The dentist prepares the affected tooth and designs the restoration using on-site CEREC technology. The new tooth or crown in created in less than 20 minutes, and is polished and placed into the patient's mouth.
Why Is A CEREC Restoration Better Than Conventional Types Of Restorations?
Restorations using the CEREC system require only one dental visit, as opposed to the several visits other restoration procedures require. Because a laboratory is not used to create the tooth, the CEREC system allows the dentist to have complete control over the process from start to finish. The system also eliminates the need for a patient to wear a temporary crown, which may not fit precisely or even fall off.
How Should A CEREC Restoration Be Taken Care Of?
CEREC restorations do not require any kind of special care. The patient should, however, practice proper oral hygiene. This will increase the longevity of the restored tooth, and contribute to overall dental health.
How Does A CEREC Restoration Respond To Extreme Temperatures?
CEREC restorations are made of high-quality ceramic that is able to withstand extreme temperatures. If the restored tooth still has a nerve in it, the patient may experience increased sensitivity immediately following the procedure. This sensitivity will often decrease over time.
Is A CEREC Crown Better Than A Gold Crown?
Because they are made entirely of ceramic, CEREC crowns look much more natural than those made from gold. Although not as strong as gold crowns and more likely to chip, ceramic crowns are still very durable because only high-grade ceramic is used. Depending on whether appearance or durability is more important in a particular situation, the dentist will help make the decision about which type of crown to use.
What Can Be Eaten After A CEREC Restoration?
Although increased sensitivity may be a problem for some patients, it is likely temporary. Patients may be more comfortable staying away from hot or cold food or drinks immediately after the procedure, but normal sensitivity should soon return. Following a CEREC procedure, no change in diet is required.
After the milling is finished, the dentist polishes the filling or crown, and bonds it into place in the patient's mouth.
Advantages of the CEREC System
When compared to traditional restoration, CEREC restoration has several advantages.
Single-Appointment Dental Care
With the CEREC system, the patient needs to visit the dentist only once, instead of the usual two or three times required with conventional restoration procedures. The patient is able to leave the dentist's office fitted with the final product.
Complete Control by the Dentist
Because the restoration is designed and fabricated from start to finish by the dentist, a single person has complete control over how the restoration will look and fit. By contrast, a crown made in a laboratory is partially under the control of a technician unfamiliar with the patient.
No Need for Temporary Restorations
Conventional restoration procedures require that the patient wear temporary restorations while the laboratory prepares the final product. Temporary restorations may fit imprecisely or even fall off. The CEREC system eliminates this issue.
Made From Strong Ceramic
The CEREC system uses strong, tooth-colored ceramic to restore teeth to their natural strength, beauty and function. Not only does a CEREC restoration match the look of the rest of the teeth, the material used closely matches the composition of the natural teeth, allowing the patient to eat hot and cold foods without worrying that the restoration will crack from extreme temperatures.
The CEREC system significantly streamlines the dental-restoration process for both dentist and patient.
Please visit www.cereconline.com to learn more!
CEREC® System FAQs
What Is The CEREC® System?
The CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) multi-instrument system allows dentists to create and place custom-fit ceramic restorations during a single patient visit.
How Long Does The CEREC Procedure Take?
The complete CEREC procedure takes place during one appointment, and lasts only about 30 minutes. The dentist prepares the affected tooth and designs the restoration using on-site CEREC technology. The new tooth or crown in created in less than 20 minutes, and is polished and placed into the patient's mouth.
Why Is A CEREC Restoration Better Than Conventional Types Of Restorations?
Restorations using the CEREC system require only one dental visit, as opposed to the several visits other restoration procedures require. Because a laboratory is not used to create the tooth, the CEREC system allows the dentist to have complete control over the process from start to finish. The system also eliminates the need for a patient to wear a temporary crown, which may not fit precisely or even fall off.
How Should A CEREC Restoration Be Taken Care Of?
CEREC restorations do not require any kind of special care. The patient should, however, practice proper oral hygiene. This will increase the longevity of the restored tooth, and contribute to overall dental health.
How Does A CEREC Restoration Respond To Extreme Temperatures?
CEREC restorations are made of high-quality ceramic that is able to withstand extreme temperatures. If the restored tooth still has a nerve in it, the patient may experience increased sensitivity immediately following the procedure. This sensitivity will often decrease over time.
Is A CEREC Crown Better Than A Gold Crown?
Because they are made entirely of ceramic, CEREC crowns look much more natural than those made from gold. Although not as strong as gold crowns and more likely to chip, ceramic crowns are still very durable because only high-grade ceramic is used. Depending on whether appearance or durability is more important in a particular situation, the dentist will help make the decision about which type of crown to use.
What Can Be Eaten After A CEREC Restoration?
Although increased sensitivity may be a problem for some patients, it is likely temporary. Patients may be more comfortable staying away from hot or cold food or drinks immediately after the procedure, but normal sensitivity should soon return. Following a CEREC procedure, no change in diet is required.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® Orthodontic Treatment
For people who are dissatisfied with their smiles but have not done anything about them because they are not interested in a mouthful of metal, Invisalign® “braces” may be a good option. They eliminate both the discomfort of metal wires and the inconvenience of adjustments. The Invisalign system uses virtually invisible aligners that straighten teeth without metal bands, brackets or wires. The custom-made trays are comfortable, and easy to remove for eating, brushing, flossing and special occasions. The clear-plastic Invisalign aligners are so inconspicuous that it is difficult to tell when someone is wearing them.
Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Technology
Invisalign aligners use the latest in 3-D computer imaging to determine a projected path of tooth movement for each patient. This allows a dentist to design a series of personalized aligners (repositioners) that work to straighten teeth over time. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks, at which point there is a changeover to a new set.
Candidates for Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign aligners capably treat most common problems found in adults and teens. They are successful in straightening crooked teeth, eliminating crowding and closing gaps. Invisalign aligners can be used to treat both minor cosmetic issues and more-complex bite problems.
Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, and do not draw attention to the mouth; most people cannot tell when someone is wearing them. Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces inlcuding:
- More cosmetically appealing
- Lower cost
- Little-to-no impact on daily life
- Less painful
- Greater flexibility because aligners can be removed at any time
- Easier to keep teeth clean and healthy
- No dietary restrictions
With no metal or wires to irritate the mouth, an active, athletic lifestyle, free from worry about injury or bracket breakage, can be maintained.
Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Process
Step One: Consultation with A Certified Invisalign Provider
To begin the Invisalign treatment process, a dentist must be consulted. The dentist will determine whether Invisalign aligners are suitable for the patient, and, if so, will develop an appropriate course of treatment. X-rays, photographs and impressions will be taken of the teeth.
Step Two: Fabrication of Invisalign Custom Aligners
Advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology will analyze and transform impressions of a patient's teeth into a custom-made series of clear and removable aligners. Using this same computer imaging, a dentist will be able to see the anticipated progression of the therapy, and what the teeth will look like after treatment is completed. This analysis can be done in-office before any treatment has started.
Step Three: Receiving the Invisalign Aligners
At the next visit, the patient receives the aligners. Each set is worn day and night for about two weeks, and is removed only to eat, drink, brush and floss. The patient sees the dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to get the next set of aligners to take home. Treatment is complete once each set of aligners has been worn. The average treatment time, which depends on the complexity of the case, is typically six months to one year.
The Invisalign system has been shown to be highly effective at straightening teeth.
Oral Cancer Screening
For Oral Cancer Screening we use the VELscope Oral Assessment System which is a handheld scope that applies tissue fluorescence visualization to identify oral mucosal abnormalities. Click below to find out more!
Lumineers® Veneers
Lumineers® veneers are a type of porcelain veneer that significantly reduces or eliminates the need for grinding down the teeth in preparation for placement. Made of an ultrathin, translucent material, Lumineers veneers are simply bonded over natural teeth, or existing crowns and bridges, with no need for additional treatment. As a result, almost anyone is a good candidate for this type of veneer.
Placement of Lumineers veneers requires only two office visits, and does not involve any drilling, pain or shots. The veneers are safe and comfortable even for patients with sensitive teeth. After a customized mold is made during the initial appointment, it usually takes about 7 to 10 days for Lumineers veneers to arrive from the lab. Lumineers veneers provide a number of benefits, including the following:
- Placement procedure is quick and easy
- Little or no grinding down of teeth is required
- Veneers don't become discolored over time
- Comfortable from the moment they are placed
- Almost no post-operative pain is experienced
Lumineers veneers can last for more than 20 years, and require no special maintenance. Clinical research has proven that Lumineers veneers provide long-term aesthetic smile improvement with no discoloration or degeneration. And, because they are applied in the most durable way possible, patients can eat even sticky foods without worrying that the veneers will come off.
Surgical Dental Extractions
A dental extraction, also known as exodontia, is one of the most common procedures performed at a dentist's office. The procedure involves removing or pulling a tooth. A surgical extraction may be necessary on certain teeth.
Reasons for Surgical Extractions
Dental extractions may be performed to minimize overcrowding or in preparation for braces. An extraction may also be performed to remove the following types of teeth:
- Wisdom teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Broken teeth
- Impacted teeth
The Surgical Extraction Procedure
More complex extractions may need to be performed by an oral surgeon. Surgical extraction is commonly performed on teeth that have broken at the gum line or have not descended into the mouth, such as wisdom teeth. The extraction procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Recovery from Surgical Extraction
Patients should eat only soft foods and liquids for the first few days and gently rinse their mouth with warm salt water to relieve swelling and pain. Patients should avoid using a straw as it can induce bleeding.
Complications from A Surgical Extraction
The dental extraction procedure is safe for most patients with minimal to no complications. While most complications are rare, they may include:
- Accidental damage to surrounding teeth
- Fractured jaw
- Soreness in the jaw
- Dry socket or exposure of bone in the tooth socket
- Infection
Recovery from A Dental Extraction
After the extraction, patients may experience a certain amount of pain. The pain may be relieved by:
- Applying ice to the external area
- Rinsing with warm salt water
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication
Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection. Patients are also advised to avoid certain foods.
Most patients recover completely from a dental extraction within one to two weeks.
