Crowns with Cerec

[LittleS]

Hi - has anyone with a severe gag problem had crowns down with Cerec - thus avoiding impressions? What was the whole process like - is it a breeze for people with a severe gag reflex?

Thanks.

 

[LittleS]

Hi - has anyone with a severe gag problem had crowns down with Cerec - thus avoiding impressions? What was the whole process like - is it a breeze for people with a severe gag reflex?

Thanks.

Hello - I'm surprised no one has answered my question, although I did originally ask it in the Support thread and it was moved. I know a lot of people here are from the US. Perhaps it's called something else there?

I'm due at my dentist tomorrow morning, so any thoughts before then would be much appreciated.

 

[Gordon]

It's still called Cerec in the US. I can't answer your question because I don't know the answer

 

[DrMike]

Hi
I've just spotted this post and hope that my reply is still of use.
I've been using Cerec in practice for 6 months and have found it to be amazing.
For those who haven't heard of it- it is a Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufactured ceramic inlay. Once a cavity (for inlay), crown or veneer prep has been done- it is 'scanned' with a digital camera. Using computer software, the restoration is designed chairside. The cerec restoration is then milled out of a ceramic block using a machine- a process which take about 20 minutes. This means that the restoration is ready to fit at the same visit- no mpression, no temporary, no second visit!!! The final fit is really great, they are really strong and they look great.
I have actually just written a case which is due to be published on using cerec with a patient with a really strong gag reflex. Although I used other techniques like hypnosis and inhalation sedation- I would say that the fact that impressions aren't needed is a huge bonus for people with strong gag responses.
I wouldn't say it will be a breeze, but I think it you would certainly find it easier than traditional techniques.
Please let me know if you need any more info.
Regards
Dr Mike

 

[LittleS]

Hi
I've just spotted this post and hope that my reply is still of use.
I've been using Cerec in practice for 6 months and have found it to be amazing.
For those who haven't heard of it- it is a Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufactured ceramic inlay. Once a cavity (for inlay), crown or veneer prep has been done- it is 'scanned' with a digital camera. Using computer software, the restoration is designed chairside. The cerec restoration is then milled out of a ceramic block using a machine- a process which take about 20 minutes. This means that the restoration is ready to fit at the same visit- no mpression, no temporary, no second visit!!! The final fit is really great, they are really strong and they look great.
I have actually just written a case which is due to be published on using cerec with a patient with a really strong gag reflex. Although I used other techniques like hypnosis and inhalation sedation- I would say that the fact that impressions aren't needed is a huge bonus for people with strong gag responses.
I wouldn't say it will be a breeze, but I think it you would certainly find it easier than traditional techniques.
Please let me know if you need any more info.
Regards
Dr Mike

Thanks Dr Mike - that's extremely helpful, and it's not too late.

My dentist (who doesn't have Cerec) actually gave me a replacement filling in the end. It was the third on the same tooth in about seven months though and I think it will need crowning if it doesn't last this time.

She didn't know much about Cerec. But your guidance is a lot of help. I'm guessing that as it's a front tooth, I reckon the Cerec process will be easier than a back tooth. I have no problem with injections, or drilling, it's things remaining in my mouth (even those little cotton wool-sausagey things) that I can't bear.

I've since spoken to a nearby dentist who has been using Cerec for four years. He even does it under Denplan - the private scheme I'm now in.

So I'm now thinking about moving my dentist, even though I've been with them for the best part of 20 years. I'm soon to have sedation, under the NHS at a special clinic, to have three wisdom teeth out. So I've got a lot of dental stuff on my mind. But once those wisdom teeth are out, I think I'll move dentists.

Incidentally, I did have hypnotherapy in a bid to cure my dental phobia. I had four sessions and although I came out of each session feeling 'on a high', I don't think it has helped to any significant amount. It perhaps makes me sit in the chair feeling more relaxed, but once I open my mouth, that relaxed feeling soon goes away!

 

[LittleS]

Thanks Dr Mike - that's extremely helpful, and it's not too late.

My dentist (who doesn't have Cerec) actually gave me a replacement filling in the end. It was the third on the same tooth in about seven months though and I think it will need crowning if it doesn't last this time.

She didn't know much about Cerec. But your guidance is a lot of help. I'm guessing that as it's a front tooth, I reckon the Cerec process will be easier than a back tooth. I have no problem with injections, or drilling, it's things remaining in my mouth (even those little cotton wool-sausagey things) that I can't bear.

I've since spoken to a nearby dentist who has been using Cerec for four years. He even does it under Denplan - the private scheme I'm now in.

So I'm now thinking about moving my dentist, even though I've been with them for the best part of 20 years. I'm soon to have sedation, under the NHS at a special clinic, to have three wisdom teeth out. So I've got a lot of dental stuff on my mind. But once those wisdom teeth are out, I think I'll move dentists.

Incidentally, I did have hypnotherapy in a bid to cure my dental phobia. I had four sessions and although I came out of each session feeling 'on a high', I don't think it has helped to any significant amount. It perhaps makes me sit in the chair feeling more relaxed, but once I open my mouth, that relaxed feeling soon goes away!

Unfortunately my replacement filling came out yesterday. If it gets replaced again that'll be the 4th in about seven months. So it sounds unlikely it will be replaced.

I've now had both sorts of white fillings and I don't suppose there's any other way to go, without a crown? Do they do the black fillings at the front (you can't really see this tooth) and are they any stronger anyway?

It does seem like I'll be ringing this Cerec dentist now to see what they think. I don't want to lose another tooth just because I'm too phobic to have an impression taken.

Now I've bumped my original thread up, does anyone else have an Cerec experiences to pass on? I'm surprised it doesn't seem to get mentioned much on here.

 

[letsconnect]

There's probably not many posts about it because very few dentists use it. The two main reasons are that the machine is very expensive and it's a very steep learning curve to learn how to use it and requires much training. It also takes longer chair-side, and unless the dentist makes an awful lot of restoration, using a lab works out cheaper (taking into account the cost of the machine, training etc.).

Having said that, it's definitely very convenient for people with gagging problems!

Best of luck with your phone call - you'll be so relieved when it's done


(P.S. you've probably already seen this, but here's a whole page with tips for reducing a sensitive gag reflex: https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/fears/gagging/ )

 

[brit]

There's probably not many posts about it because very few dentists use it. The two main reasons are that the machine is very expensive and it's a very steep learning curve to learn how to use it and requires much training. It also takes longer chair-side, and unless the dentist makes an awful lot of restoration, using a lab works out cheaper (taking into account the cost of the machine, training etc.).

If the Denplan dentist you are thinking of going to has been doing it for 4 years, he should be competent at it. It would certainly be a system I'd look favourably upon, were I considering a new dentist and I don't mind impressions. I've never heard anything negative about it and if DrMike gives it the thumbs up it must be a good idea...so I say go for it .

If the end result really is so good then no doubt it will become more widespread. However I really think dental patients should vote with their feet and go to practitioners offering the new technologies they desire, whether that be Healozone to treat small cavities in your kids or TheWand for the whole family! If we don't support the 'early adopter' dentists there is a chance the technologies will fall by the wayside because in marketing it's not always the superior product which wins out, the inferior VHS became the standard over the higher quality Betamax and now we have DVDs instead...etc etc .

 

[LittleS]

If the Denplan dentist you are thinking of going to has been doing it for 4 years, he should be competent at it. It would certainly be a system I'd look favourably upon, were I considering a new dentist and I don't mind impressions. I've never heard anything negative about it and if DrMike gives it the thumbs up it must be a good idea...so I say go for it .

Thanks. I've got a short appointment for a 'chat' with the Cerec dentist later this month. It's four days after I have three wisdom teeth out by sedation at a special anesthetic clinic.

I'm hoping my own dentist can do a temporary filling in the meantime.

It's all go for me at the moment with my teeth! Not good when I'm a nervous patient. I'll be glad when March comes.

 

[DrMike]

see attachments to see some cerec cases including patient testimonials which I sent in as part of my application for the 'Best Young Dentist' Awards!
i will post another in a second

 

[DrMike]

see a crown case attached.
I will attach a pdf of a gag reflex case I worked on using cerec when it is ready. It is due to be published in the next 'Dentistry Scotland' and at 9 pages is the biggest case study they have ever published!

 

[LittleS]

see a crown case attached.
I will attach a pdf of a gag reflex case I worked on using cerec when it is ready. It is due to be published in the next 'Dentistry Scotland' and at 9 pages is the biggest case study they have ever published!

Thanks a lot for all those. I'll have a look later when my work time is finished. If I was anywhere near Glasgow, I'd be thinking of booking an appointment with you!