Savage, MN -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/13/2014 -- Usually, it takes two appointments for dental restorations such as porcelain crowns to be completed. This is no longer the case for the patients of Dr. Bart Schultz of Smiles of Distinction, Savage, MN. He uses CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics).

At the first appointment, the existing tooth is numbed and the decayed and weakened parts of the tooth are removed so a temporary crown can be placed; as much of the healthy part of the tooth as possible is saved. If this crown were being sent to the lab to prepare, models of the prepared tooth would need to be taken and that means trays, filled with impression “goop”, need to go in the patient’s mouth until they solidify.

Those impressions get sent to a lab as a pattern for the permanent crown and can take two weeks or more to be completed. The patient hopes the temporary crown will stay on while waiting for the off-site lab to make the permanent crown. When the lab completes the crown, another appointment is required where, once again, Dr. Schultz numbs the area and the permanent crown is placed for a final fitting.

Dr. Schultz' office is equipped with CEREC, a Microsoft system that uses CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) to create a 3D representation of the tooth. The system uses a digital camera to take pictures of the tooth. These pictures are transferred to a computer, which will draft the design of the crown.

CEREC, a milling machine located in Dr. Schultz’ practice, produces the crown exactly as it was programmed into the machine to render natural, strong and well-fitting crowns in about 10 to 20 minutes. When compared to waiting two weeks for a permanent crown from the lab, the benefits that come with using on-site CEREC are clear.

The CEREC technology is capable of creating veneers, inlays and onlays as well as crowns, which reduces the time for these treatments as well. “Because there is only one appointment needed when we use CEREC, it saves you time and money,” says Dr. Schultz.

About Dr. Schultz
Dr. Schultz is an active member of the following: American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Schultz received his Mastership award in the Academy of General Dentistry and he is currently the president of the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry. To make an appointment with Dr. Schultz, call (952) 894-2545.