CEREC Crowns Archives - Coleman Dental

Crowns keep falling off!

September 13, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have a couple crowns and have never had any problems with them. Well, I feel really bad for my husband because his dental crowns keep falling off. The dentist re-cements them and then in a week or so, they pop right off. The dentist seems like he’s at a loss at this point. I’m wondering what is going on? Is there a super-strong cement we can try first? Or I have heard of CEREC. Is that a better option?

– Jeffrey in Missouri

Jeffrey,

Sadly, it sounds like it’s time for a second opinion. There shouldn’t be an issue with the porcelain crowns not staying cemented. This is not a common occurrence. Once they are permanently cemented, they should stay in place if they were done properly. Something must be breaking the bond.

The life of a crown is typically dependent upon the tooth preparation that was done by the dentist. If the tooth is in any way tapered, the crown will not have a good fit. It sounds like it may be time for some new crowns or better yet, a new cosmetic dentist. In order to successfully place crowns, the dentist must have had extensive training in the bonding technologies and materials. There really is no excuse for your husband’s crowns not to stay on. It’s time to move on.

Lastly, CEREC crowns really aren’t the answer here. This sounds like it’s an issue with the dentist, not the product. CEREC is a technology enables the tooth to be prepared and placed all in one visit.

Pain from CEREC crowns.

September 7, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had three CEREC crowns done a couple weeks ago and now when I’m chewing it hurts. The crowns are on some back teeth and I cannot really avoid eating with them. The pain is like a shooting nerve pain. I went back in and the dentist shaved them two different times. He told me that I chew like a “cow” and that is probably where the pain is coming from. I have never heard that phrase before and needless to say didn’t like being told I chew like a cow. I’m beginning to wonder about the dentist now because the teeth never hurt prior to the crown work. So how can it be attributed to the way I chew? Do you know what’s going on? I don’t feel like I should have to choose soft foods because I’m scared my teeth will hurt.

– Vicki in South Carolina

Vicki,

The pain you are describing wouldn’t be attributed to the CEREC crowns, but more likely due to the fact that the fit is not correct. This could happen with any type of porcelain crown or restoration, including CEREC crowns, if they weren’t adjusted properly. Typically this occurs less frequently with CEREC because the computer fabricates the crown.

There are two reasons why this pain could be taking place. First, if the bite is too high than that crown is what hits first during your chewing. This could make the tooth very sensitive. But if you have had it adjusted multiple times, then there is a possibility that the tooth may be infected. The inflammation from the infection can give you pain, eventually moving into your jaw. And it could be increasingly aggravated during chewing.

Since you have been back in twice to have them shave it down, it may be time that the dentist do an x-ray to see if the tooth is infected That said, your dentist should be making these recommendations and investigating this possibility at this point. Also, infection is sometimes difficult to detect in an x-ray so you may be better off going into an endodontist which specializes in root canal treatments.

You shouldn’t still be having that kind of intense pain after the CEREC crowns were done. Call an endodontist and ask to be seen sooner than later.

Why is My CEREC Crown Attracting Stains and How Do I Fix It?

September 5, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had a CEREC crown done about two years ago, and it attracts stain like crazy. I drink coffee, but not really excessively or anything, and I brush all the time. Despite my efforts, the tooth looks dingy within a few weeks every time I get a cleaning. I always looks nice when I leave, but it never lasts long. I asked my hygienist about it, and she said I’m not cleaning well enough at home. I am scrubbing as best as I can. I really think it’s got something to do with the fact that it’s a CEREC crown. It’s just that one tooth that becomes an eyesore. None of my other friends have this problem, but I’m also the only one who got a CEREC crown instead of a real one. Do I have to have the whole thing replaced? What are my options?

Thank you,

Ellen in New Hampshire

Dear Ellen,

Crowns, in general, can be made out of many materials, and CEREC crowns are no exception. Regardless of whether you have the kind that is created in the office or in a lab, it’s possible to attract stains like you’re getting. Home care is certainly a factor, and your hygienist was right to mention it. It’s not necessarily a matter of scrubbing hard either, as that can hurt your gums, as well as the neighboring teeth. You might have better luck switching to an ultrasonic toothbrush, or at least upgrading to one with a spinning mechanism.

It sounds like your restoration has microscratches on it. Although the material, itself, is incredibly durable, some things are known to cause very small scratches on the surface. When this happens, your coffee, food, and bacteria can gather in the tiny crevices, which makes it very difficult to clean. Sometimes, patients unknowingly cause the scratches by using abrasive toothpastes, like those designed for whitening. Other times, they can be caused by an inexperienced hygienist, who uses a prophy jet incorrectly, or uses an abrasive prophy paste to polish at the end of a cleaning.

It’s not likely that you’ll ever know for sure what caused the defects, but it’s worth mentioning the issue directly to your dentist. If one of his hygienists isn’t familiar with proper protocol, he’ll get to the bottom of it and can make sure other patients don’t have the same issue. If it is indeed scratched, there isn’t a way to repair it. Your dentist may be able to buff it out some, but it won’t look like it did when it was new. Aside from that, your options are to live with it, and change your cleaning routines, or to replace it.

My crown keeps falling off!

September 2, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had a same day crown done. There was no temporary crown, which was very convenient. I don’t know exactly what the material that was used for the crown. But it can’t be good, because it has come off three times already. This has all taken place in less than a year. Well, when it came off again, I finally wised up and went to a new dentist. The new dentist said that the setting wasn’t done properly. He used zirconcia porcelain for the new crown. Well, all of this sounded good to me. But, it has already fallen off twice in only a month. Now, he is saying I need a full porcelain crown with a new setting because the bonding isn’t happening on my tooth. I’m so sick of this. Any advice?

– Beth in Flordia

Beth,

The original crown you had placed is called a CEREC crown, which is prepped, fitted, and placed all in the same day. When this type of dental crown (well any type of crown) is placed properly, it should stay on permanently. It doesn’t matter whether it’s porcelain, CEREC, gold, or zicronia. If it is done correctly, it should stay in place.

Therefore, it sounds like there is an issue with the dental bonding and the shape of the tooth when it was prepared. This must be the “setting” that your second dentist is referencing. The tooth should have a slight taper when it is initially prepared so that the cement will properly adhere to the tooth. If it was not prepared properly, it doesn’t matter how strong the cement is. It will continue to fail.

Although, the strength of the cement can be a factor, the bond needs to be sufficient. It is difficult to provide more specific recommendations without having seen your case. The best conclusion is that the tooth was not prepared properly. So, now what?

You need to find an experience dentist, likely a cosmetic dentist that truly understand the bonding techniques and materials required to successfully place a crown. It is not normal for a crown to fall off multiple times. Many dentists go the length of their entire career without this happening. It’s time to have a consultation with a dentist that better understands cosmetic dentistry. Best of luck. Sorry that you are dealing with this situation.

Bottom line is that it’s not the CEREC same-day crown or material used that is causing your crown to fall off.

Is a CEREC crown worth the extra cost?

September 1, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My job has me traveling a lot which means I am constantly on the run. Since I haven’t seen my family that much I have been putting off getting another crown. It just takes too long and I hate the time between where you have to wear a temporary. I am especially concerned with having to wear the temporary while I’m away from home. I have heard about CEREC same day crowns. They sound great, but I feel like they are too good to be true. My sister had one done and I think the color looks off. Is this one of the trade-offs with having it done all at once? Also, is it really worth the extra cost?

– Bill in New Jersey

Bill,

Thank you for your question. You bring up a lot of excellent points about CEREC same-day crowns. They offer many benefits over traditional crowns because they completely eliminate wearing a temporary which means convenience for the patient. Many patients are willing to pay the extra cost because their time is more important and that is a huge value.

As for the mismatching of your sister’s CEREC crown, this isn’t specific to CEREC crowns only. The bottom line is that some dentists just aren’t skilled at selecting the proper shade to giving a beautiful result. It would be wise to find a cosmetic dentist that truly cares about the aesthetics that go into cosmetic dentistry in order to get the best possible match. Cosmetic dentistry takes a lot of training beyond dental school and not just any dentist can do the work well, even if they offer the service. Feel free to ask your dentist about cases similar to yours, ask to see a portfolio of his or her work, and check out the dentist’s credentials. It is also good to inquire how long the dentist has been using the CEREC technology.

Most cosmetic dentists that are worth it will consider their work a failure, unless you absolutely love the end result. You should also have the opportunity to see exactly what your new crown will look like before it is permanently cemented into place. Hopefully this helps you in your decision.

Will CEREC crowns work better than porcelain crowns?

August 31, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I was told I need a CEREC crown at my last dentist appointment. One of my teeth in the very back has a big cavity. So, he’s recommending I get it replaced with a CEREC crown. I’ve had porcelain crowns in the past. I was wondering if they will hold up the same or any better? I ask, because I grind my teeth at night. So, I need to know that a CEREC crown will hold up just as well as a porcelain crown. Also, do you know how long a CEREC crown will last?

-Elizabeth in Indiana

Elizabeth,

Well, CEREC crowns have the same lifespan as porcelain crowns. When a crown is done by an expert cosmetic dentist, it can last around 15 years or more if it is taken of. It’s not unheard of them to last over 20 years. The only main difference here is convenience. The CEREC crowns are done all in the same visit. This process completely eliminates the need for a temporary crown. The tooth is prepared, fitted and the permanent CEREC crown is placed the same day.

But, the concern here isn’t around having a CEREC crown done. It’s about your night grinding. Any kind of grinding will shorten the lifespan of any type of porcelain crown or cosmetic dentistry work. The enamel of your healthy teeth can also be damaged. Has your dentist talked about TMJ with you? TMJ can be a result of nighttime grinding. It can cause headaches, neck and jaw pain, problems with your bite and other issues. It is a serious condition that needs to be addressed sooner than later. In fact, it may be the reason you are having issues with your back tooth in the first place.

So, you need to have the grinding addressed right away. A night-guard worn at bedtime will protect your teeth and any dental work you receive moving forward. It will help keep your bite in alignment and help relieve any of the TMJ problems you may already be experiencing. If your dentist hasn’t discussed this concern with you to date, you may need to see a TMJ dentist or TMJ specialist. They will be able to pinpoint the cause and better help you.

Once the TMJ has been addressed, you should be able to get your crown and ensure it will last for years to come. If you don’t move forward with addressing your grinding issue, the crown could be damaged, just as soon as it is placed. So, getting the night-guard done will help avoid costly repairs and potential TMJ pain down the road.

Good luck!

Was CEREC the wrong choice for a front tooth?

August 29, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am starting to doubt my dentist that placed a CEREC crown on my front tooth. I was sold when I heard that by choosing CEREC, I wouldn’t have to deal with the inconvenience of a temporary crown. Having the crown done in only one office visit was very appealing. Well, I left town the day after I had the crown placed. I was shocked when the crown came off the next day. I was freaking out and so my friend referred me to her personal dentist. Her dentist seemed comfortable with CEREC and reattached the crown for me. I don’t love the look of the new crown. The color doesn’t look quite right and I think it appears a little longer than the neighboring tooth. The following week when I returned home, I called my dentist to explain what had happened. My dentist offered to have the crown redone. But now I’m starting to wonder if CEREC was a bad choice to replace a broken front tooth? Maybe I should move forward with the traditional crown placement method and go through with the temporary and permanent crown. And I’m even beginning to doubt that having my dentist redo it is the right call either. I’m feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. Can you give me some advice?

-Jen in New York

It is always difficult to provide specific recommendations without having seen your case in person. That said, I’m sorry that you are having to go through this. The bottom line is that a front tooth, single crown is very difficult to get right. Not just any dentist can pull this off. Cosmetic dentistry is an art. Most dentists come from a functional mindset of fixing a problem. Very few (less than two percent) actually have the artistic beauty to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results, especially on a front tooth.

The color may not be right because of the milling machine that was used to fabricate the CEREC crown. Typically, there is a lot of communicator and collaboration on the color of a crown between the cosmetic dentist and the ceramist. But the machine short cuts that process and the CEREC machine will result in a factory color for the crown. A CEREC crown is milled form a single ceramic block, which is provided from the factory. Often times, dentists like using CEREC technology, but agree that they may not be the best fit for a front tooth crown. But there are some highly skilled cosmetic dentists that may be able to deliver a beautiful front tooth CEREC crown. Most excellent cosmetic dentists would choose a traditional porcelain crown so they could perfectly match the surrounding translucency, color and exact shape.

Another cautionary sign is that the crown should not have come off in the first place. So, it is quite possible that the dental bonding wasn’t done properly to begin with. Therefore, you may be correct in questioning your dentist’s ability with cosmetic dentistry. It is nice that he is offering to redo the crown, but you have to wonder if he will successful bond it in place this time around. This may be beyond his personal skill set.

All this to be said, it may be time to seek a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist before moving forward with the crown replacement. Meet with another dentist, one that has experience and training in cosmetic dentistry. Specifically ask if they have done front tooth crowns and ask to see examples of the work. Then, you can better assess what may be the best way to go.

Again, it is hard to tell you exactly what to do without having seen your case. Hopefully this gives you some things to consider before moving forward in getting the porcelain crown replaced.

Problem after CEREC crown.

August 26, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had a CEREC crown done about two months ago. The assistant warned me that my gums weren’t very happy around the preparation site and that I should use saltwater rinses a few times a day for about a week. She said that it would help heal the area quicker, but made no note of what to do if it didn’t heal. I did the rinses, but my gums are still incredibly tender and they bleed the instant I brush there. What gives?

-Mark in Georgia

Dear Mark,

The first concern would be infection, but if you’re not in pain and aren’t experiencing any swelling, that’s probably not the culprit. Provided you are healthy, the area should have healed by now. Occasionally people with certain health conditions or those who smoke take longer to recover, though.

More than likely, your gums are irritated either directly or indirectly by the CEREC crown, which can happen with any kind of crown. Sometimes it’s a little more difficult for patients to get between the teeth and floss when there is a restoration. When that happens, bacteria flourish and the gums become irritated, red and inflamed, plus they’re more prone to bleeding. The good news is that it’s an easy fix and correcting it simply requires extra time with hygiene. If you’re using regular floss, try switching to a floss pick or other implement to clean between the teeth and be sure to brush gently. You’re likely to see a lot of red for the first few days you really get in there and clean, but it should taper off in the coming weeks. Keep up with the saltwater rinses while you wok to restore health to the gum tissue. If you’re already cleaning well, it’s also possible that the margins of the CEREC crown are irritating your gums. If this is the case, improving your hygiene further will still help, but the only real fix is to have a new CEREC crown made.

Will My CEREC Crown Hold Up to Nighttime Grinding?

August 26, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I need to have my first ever crown done and my dentist has me scheduled to have a CEREC crown done in two weeks. Obviously, I’m a little anxious about the procedure, but I also grind my teeth at night. Is this going to be an issue with the CEREC crown or will it hold up as well as my regular teeth?

Thanks,

Jill in California

Dear Jill,

CEREC crowns are very durable. In fact, you might not even notice any difference between the strength of your restoration and your natural teeth. However, there’s a larger issue at play here.

The fact that you grind your teeth is concerning. If you’re continually putting that kind of pressure on them, you’re not only wearing down the enamel, but also setting yourself up for jaw pain and other issues. You didn’t say whether your CEREC crown was needed due to decay or a broken tooth, but it wouldn’t be surprising at all to hear it was a result of damage caused by grinding. Once you wear down the enamel through grinding, it’s gone for good. This leaves your tooth weak and more susceptible to cracks, breaks and decay.

The good news is that you’re aware of what you’re doing and that there’s an easy fix. Call your dentist before the procedure and let him know you grind your teeth at night. He will probably recommend a night guard to shield you from additional wear and damage. A night guard is a simple plastic device that you pop in before bed and it provides a cushion of protection so you don’t wind up with more issues caused by your grinding. Your dentist may even be able to take the impressions for your night guard on the same day you have your new restoration done if you let him know what’s happening ahead of time.

So, yes, your new restoration will hold up well to normal daily stresses, however, neither your natural teeth, nor a CEREC same-day crown can withstand the pressures of grinding forever. Get the night guard, ask your dentist if he has any additional techniques to reduce grinding, and all of your teeth, natural or restored, will be well on their way to having the longest lifespan possible.

CEREC for crowns on front teeth.

August 21, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I fell and broke my two front teeth in a mountain biking accident. My family dentist is telling me I need to get crowns. A friend told me about CEREC crowns and how they can be done in one day. That is super appealing to me right now because I’m so ready to move on after this accident. But my dentist doesn’t do them. Do I need a referral to go to another dentist? How do I find CEREC dentist in my area?

– Mike in North Carolina

Mike,

CEREC crowns are very popular among busy professionals and anyone that doesn’t want to deal with the inconvenience of wearing a temporary crown. But same day crowns aren’t always the answer. You need to consider the artistic nature of the work that will be required in order to replace your two front teeth.

Consider this – is convenience more important or a beautiful, natural-looking result? When it comes to your two front teeth, they are highly visible. With traditional porcelain crowns, if you find an excellent cosmetic dentist you will never regret the attention to detail and level of effort he or she will put into your crowns on such high profile cosmetic dentistry. These teeth show everyday, with every smile.

For example, the coloration present in a normal tooth fades throughout the surface, the gloss and translucency, as well as the layers of gradation is hard to get right with CEREC. An expert cosmetic will use a master ceramist that they trust. And for such aesthetically-demanding results as is required on front teeth, you don’t want to cut yourself short.

CEREC crowns are milled on-site out of a single block of ceramic. CEREC makes sense for crowns on back teeth or any other teeth that don’t show when you smile. They look nice, but aren’t always the best fit. Simply put, a machine doesn’t have the artistic ability and training that a cosmetic dentist does. Now, that isn’t to say that there aren’t some cosmetic dentists that will paint on additional layers to make a CEREC crown appear more lifelike. Although, you may want to shift your thinking from convenience to avoiding front teeth that may potentially look fake in appearance.

In closing, you don’t need a referral to find a dentist that offers CEREC. Just google the term “CEREC crowns” in your city. But you may want to do yourself a favor and consult with a skilled cosmetic dentist and put your trust in their ability versus finding the first CEREC dentist that comes up in your search bar.

Best of luck!