CEREC, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a method of restoring teeth using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Although this practice is most commonly used for crowns, CEREC can also be used to create veneers and onlays that preserve the teeth and improve their overall appearance.
CEREC restorations are an investment in your oral health and are meant to last for many years. That said, your oral healthcare routine can have a significant impact on how long your CEREC restorations may last.
CEREC Aftercare
Immediately following your procedure, you are likely to still feel some numbness and tingling from the local anesthetic your dentist administered beforehand. This should wear off in a few hours, although you may experience some mild soreness or discomfort in the following days.
You may also notice some small pieces of excess bonding material after your procedure, but these usually dislodge with brushing and flossing and should clear up a few days after your procedure. Some CEREC restorations may need some slight adjustments after they are fitted, so if you feel anything sharp poking your tongue or gums, or if you notice unevenness in your bite, give our team a call at 910-256-9040 to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Additionally, keep the following tips in mind after your procedure:
- Avoid chewing on the restoration and consuming hot liquids for 24 hours after fitting to allow the adhesive to fully harden.
- Stay away from chewy, hard, or sticky foods for at least 48 hours after your procedure, as these could potentially pull your restoration out.
- Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be used as recommended if you experience minor pain after your procedure, but if you experience severe pain, you should contact our team for a follow-up.
- Flossing and brushing may be a little uncomfortable for the first few days after your procedure, but it’s important to keep up with your regular oral health routine!
Long Term CEREC Care
Sensitivity may last for up to two weeks after your restoration is in place however it should resolve shortly after. Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures is also to be expected during this timeframe. As always, the most important thing you can do to keep your restorations in good shape is to floss and brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, ideally when you wake up and right before you go to sleep.
Additionally, remember the following long-term care tips:
- Having a CEREC restoration does not mean your tooth is immune to cavities and decay, which is why we cannot stress the importance of brushing and flossing enough.
- Flossing might be a little tricky in the beginning as you are getting used to the slightly altered shape of your tooth. This should resolve in time but, if it does not, get in touch with our team.
- After the adhesive has time to harden, your new restoration should be perfectly capable of handling all your chewing needs.
- Perhaps most importantly, make sure you are scheduling your regular six-month cleanings and checkups to ensure your restoration, as well as the rest of your teeth, are well taken care of!
Whether it’s time for your next cleaning or you’re ready to discover whether CEREC restorations are right for you, please feel free to get in touch with us or schedule an appointment online!