Exam and Preparation
First, Dr. Goone examines the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment.  It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgement of Dr. Goone.  Next, he administers an anesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue.  This preparation is just like he would do for many other restorative techniques.

Optical Impression

Then, Dr. Goone takes an Optical Impression (an infra-red picture) of the prepared tooth.  Instead of filling a tray with impression "goop" that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, Dr. Goone coats the tooth with a non-toxic, tasteless powder.  A camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth.  This whole Optical Impression process only takes a minute or two.

No Temporaries

Next, the CEREC machine helps Dr. Goone create the restoration for your tooth.  The CEREC 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen.  Dr. Goone then uses his dental expertise to design the restoration using the CEREC 3D computer program.  Within a few minutes, your Dr. Goone clicks a button, and the restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office.  A ceramic block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine.  About 10 - 20 minutes later, your all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place.  Finally, Dr. Goone tries the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite.  The restoration is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth.  Your tooth is restored with no "temporary" or return trip necessary.  All of this is done in a single appointment!  Ask Dr. Goone about CEREC today.