Are you curious about how CEREC dental crowns in Fort Lauderdale are changing same-day dentistry? CEREC crowns let a dentist design, create, and place a custom ceramic crown in a single visit, eliminating the temporary crown and the second appointment that traditional crowns typically require.
At DG Dental, we use CEREC technology to restore teeth that are cracked, worn, or heavily decayed with a crown that is designed, milled, and seated the same day you come in. Below, we walk through how the technology works, how it compares to a traditional crown, and what to expect if you need one.
What Is CEREC Technology?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system that captures a digital scan of your prepared tooth, uses that scan to design a custom crown, and then mills the crown from a solid block of ceramic right in the office. The result is a metal-free restoration shaped and shaded to match your natural teeth.
Because the entire process happens chairside, there is no impression material, no waiting on an outside dental laboratory, and no temporary crown to manage in the meantime. The technology has been used in dental offices for decades and has continued to improve as the ceramic materials and scanning software have advanced.
How the Same-Day Crown Procedure Works
A CEREC appointment follows a fairly consistent sequence. We first prepare the damaged or decayed tooth, removing any compromised structure the same way we would for a traditional crown. Next, we capture a digital scan of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth instead of a traditional putty impression.
That scan is used to design the crown on screen, adjusting the shape and bite until it fits your mouth correctly. Once the design is finalized, an in-office milling unit shapes the crown from a ceramic block, and we polish and bond it in place. Most patients complete the entire process, from preparation to a finished crown, in one appointment, which typically takes a few hours depending on the complexity of the case.
When a Crown Follows Other Treatment
A CEREC crown is often the final step in a larger treatment plan rather than a standalone procedure. A tooth with a large cavity may need a filling built up before it can support a crown, and a tooth with an infected nerve typically needs a root canal completed first. In both situations, the crown protects the remaining tooth structure and restores full biting function once the underlying problem has been resolved.
We will always explain where a crown fits into your overall treatment plan during your exam, so you understand the full sequence of care rather than being surprised by an additional step partway through treatment.
CEREC Crowns Compared to Traditional Crowns
A traditional crown typically requires two visits. During the first, we prepare the tooth, take an impression, and place a temporary crown while an outside laboratory fabricates the permanent one, a process that commonly takes one to two weeks. You return for a second visit once the permanent crown is ready.
CEREC crowns skip that waiting period and the temporary crown entirely. A multicenter clinical study published in 2025 followed chairside-milled ceramic crowns over five years and found strong survival rates for restorations placed this way, which is consistent with what we see in daily practice. Traditional lab-fabricated crowns remain an excellent option as well, and we will recommend whichever approach best fits the tooth being treated.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a CEREC Crown
Most patients who need a crown for a cracked tooth, a large cavity, or a tooth that has already had a root canal are candidates for a same-day CEREC restoration. A few situations call for a different approach. If a crack extends below the gumline or if there is very little healthy tooth structure remaining, a traditional lab-fabricated crown or a different restoration may provide a more predictable, longer-lasting result.
We evaluate candidacy during your exam, taking into account the extent of the damage, the position of the tooth in your mouth, and your bite. If a root canal is needed before the crown, we will let you know so you can plan for both appointments.
What Affects the Cost of a Dental Crown
Crown pricing depends on several factors, including the material used, the tooth being restored, whether other treatment such as a filling or root canal is needed first, and your specific dental insurance coverage. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of a crown when it is medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins so you know your estimated out-of-pocket cost in advance, and we offer financing options for patients without insurance coverage.
Caring for Your CEREC Crown After Placement
A CEREC crown is cared for the same way as your natural teeth. Brushing twice daily, flossing around the crown margin, and keeping up with routine cleanings and exams help the restoration last as long as possible. Avoid using your crowned tooth to open packaging or chew on ice, since excessive force can chip ceramic just as it can crack a natural tooth.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can protect both your CEREC crown and your remaining natural teeth from excess wear. We check the fit and condition of any crown at your routine cleanings, so problems are caught early rather than after they become painful.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC Dental Crowns
How long do CEREC crowns last?
With proper care, a CEREC crown can last many years, similar to a traditional lab-made crown. Longevity depends on the location of the tooth, your bite, and how well you keep up with brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. Grinding or clenching can shorten the lifespan of any crown, so we may recommend a nightguard if that applies to you.
Is a CEREC crown as strong as a traditional crown?
CEREC crowns are milled from solid ceramic blocks that are designed to withstand normal biting and chewing forces. The specific ceramic material we choose depends on where the tooth sits in your mouth, since back teeth handle more chewing force than front teeth. We select a material suited to the location and function of the tooth being restored.
Does getting a CEREC crown hurt?
We numb the area before preparing your tooth, so the procedure itself is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days afterward as the tooth adjusts to the new crown. If you feel anxious about dental visits, we also offer sedation options to help you stay comfortable.
Will my dental insurance cover a CEREC crown?
Most dental insurance plans treat CEREC crowns the same way they treat traditional crowns when the restoration is medically necessary, though coverage details vary by plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and estimate your out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins.
Can a CEREC crown be used to restore veneers or bridges as well?
The same CAD/CAM technology used for CEREC crowns can also design and mill porcelain veneers and certain bridge components. Whether a same-day option is right for a veneer or a bridge depends on the specific case, and we will discuss the best approach for your situation during your consultation.
What happens if my CEREC crown feels uneven after placement?
Because the crown is milled and bonded the same day, we adjust the bite before you leave to make sure it feels even and comfortable. If your bite still feels off once the numbness wears off, call our office and we will bring you back in for a quick adjustment rather than having you live with discomfort.
Schedule Your CEREC Consultation
Dr. Dory Green, DMD, offers same-day CEREC crowns alongside traditional lab-fabricated restorations at DG Dental in Fort Lauderdale, so you get the option that best fits your tooth and your schedule. We will walk you through your options at your exam and let you know whether a same-day crown is a good fit before any work begins.
If a cracked, decayed, or heavily worn tooth needs a crown, contact us through our web portal to schedule a consultation, or read more about the experiences of other patients on our Google Maps reviews.
