Dental Innovations and You
By: Dr. Michael J. Armijo, DDS
 Technology
today is changing our everyday lives. Many people; however,
aren't aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and
exciting ways. Cutting edge innovations in dental instruments
are requiring less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort
and creating satisfying results. One breakthrough instrument,
called CEREC, allows dentists to quickly restore damaged teeth with
natural colored ceramic fillings saving patients time and
inconvenience.
What is CEREC?
CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic
Ceramics. Translated, it means that a dentist can economically
restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality
ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth.
How does the instrument work?
CEREC uses
CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing)
Technology incorporating a camera and milling machine in one
instrument. The dentist uses a special camera to take an
accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression
is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen where the
dentist uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then,
the CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while
the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new
restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The entire
process takes about one hour.
What does this innovation mean for a patient?
A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings to
discolor smiles. The filling is natural-looking and compatible
with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant.
Dentists no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions
and send them to a dental laboratory. Because of this, a CEREC
is usually done in one appointment.
The CEREC has over a decade of clinical research and documentation
to support the technology. The restorations have been proven
precise, safe and effective.Please call Dr. Michael Armijo at (505) 797-1000
to find out if this is an option for you. We will be happy to
answer any questions on this new technology. |
