CEREC® One-Visit Dental Crowns – Fairfax, VA

What Are CEREC® Dental Crowns?

CEREC dental crowns are an alternative restorative solution that allows you to receive a customized dental crown the same day as your cleaning and prepping procedure. Instead of waiting weeks to receive traditional dental crowns in Fairfax that are created by technicians in a dental lab, CEREC crowns are made in-house using special CAD/CAM software and a milling unit that produces high-quality restorations while you wait.

Mostly made from porcelain, these permanent prosthetics are metal-free, which means they are healthier for your smile and more environmentally friendly. Also, by having a CEREC crown put into place, you cut down on the time spent driving back and forth to your dentist’s office for treatment.

How Does CEREC Work?

When preparing to have a CEREC crown put into place, it is necessary that your dentist in Fairfax first examine your oral cavity to determine if you require a dental crown. If the decay or damage is minor, you may only need a dental filling; however, if it has penetrated more than the enamel and is moving into the dentin layer, it may be necessary to have a CEREC crown bonded into place.

Before starting the process of cleaning out the decayed areas of your tooth, Dr. Murray will first administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth and prevent you from feeling any discomfort during the process. After thoroughly cleaning the tooth, he will fill it with composite resin to create a tight seal, so bacteria and food particles do not re-enter the weakened tooth.

Once the resin is hardened, he will use a handheld device to take digital impressions of your tooth. Known as CEREC technology, it will scan your mouth and produce high-resolution images that will appear on a nearby screen. After a few minutes, you will see a 3D image appear of your smile. It is at this point that Dr. Murray will make any adjustments necessary to the model, ensuring the milling unit creates the right type of dental crown. When ready, he will send the 3D model to the in-house milling unit, which will then begin to craft your customized crown based on the specifications provided.

Once it is finished, Dr. Murray will examine the restoration to ensure it is in good condition before bonding it over your weakened tooth and giving it a final polish. The results will be a new and improved tooth that looks and feels completely natural.

What Are the Benefits of CEREC® Compared to Traditional Crowns?

• With CEREC, you don’t have to worry about wearing a temporary crown, which can make you vulnerable to potential reinfection while you wait for your permanent one to be created.
• You save time with CEREC because you only need one dental appointment to repair your smile.
• The material used to create your CEREC crown is just as durable, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice quality to have your crown put into place on the same day.

Understanding the Cost of CEREC® Dental Crowns

Dr. Murray can provide a beautiful, lifelike dental crown in a single visit with advanced CEREC® technology, but it’s natural to have questions about this service. For example, one of the first things many patients want to know is how much it will cost.

But the answer can depend on your circumstances, so our team will provide a detailed estimate once we’ve had a chance to examine the affected tooth. Continue reading to learn more about how pricing is determined and how our practice helps make dental care more affordable.

Factors That Affect the Cost of CEREC® Dental Crowns

CEREC® dental crowns are carefully crafted to look like your natural teeth and fit like a glove for beautiful, functional results. However, a few different things can potentially affect the cost of your one-of-a-kind restoration, such as:

• Preliminary treatments. Some treatments require additional services, like a root canal or gum disease treatment, prior to placing a CEREC® dental crown, which must also be paid for.
• The materials used. Different ceramic options, such as E.max or zirconia, can have differing price points.
• Your dental condition. If an expert is required to assist with your case, you’ll also have to cover their services.

Does Dental Insurance Cover CEREC® Dental Crowns?

Many dental insurance policies cover about 50% of major procedures, including CEREC® dental crowns, and our practice gladly welcomes many major dental insurance plans. However, there are no guarantees that your service will be included, so it’s worth verifying your information first.

If you’re unsure whether we take your coverage or need help with claims, please contact our office. Our friendly staff are happy to assist with claims or paperwork to maximize any available benefits.

Options for Making CEREC® Dental Crowns Affordable

Dr. Murray understands that not all patients have insurance coverage, but he also believes you deserve a well-made, completely customized restoration to rebuild your injured tooth, regardless of your current financial circumstances. That’s why our office also accepts flexible payment plans through CareCredit.

If your application is approved, you can choose a low- to no-interest option that lets you divide your final invoice into more manageable installments over a set period. This can be easier on your budget than paying a single, large sum up front, and it doesn’t have the same restrictions as traditional dental insurance, such as an annual deductible or mandatory waiting period.