CEREC® Dentist Los Gatos, CA
Technology has brought advances across many industries, and dental care is one of them. One of the newest breakthroughs is CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology. This cutting-edge system creates ceramic tooth restorations on a same-day basis. Patients must no longer wait for their crowns or veneers to come back from the lab as this state-of-the-art process crafts them in the office.
CEREC is available at Gatos Dental Excellence in Los Gatos and the surrounding area. Schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about this system and whether it is the right choice for you. Contact our office at (408) 560-7776 to make an appointment today.
Understanding CEREC
CEREC, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a computer-assisted technology that enables dentists to create same-day permanent dental restorations. This technology also makes precision parts, tools, and even vehicles for decades. It has allowed cosmetic dentists to create dental restoration solutions that would not be possible otherwise.
The design process involves three-dimensional imaging of the patient's teeth and bite to create customized dental restorations. A study in the Journal of Oral Implantology shows that the resulting restoration is less prone to error than a traditional one. This cutting-edge process is a quick and precise means of producing ceramic veneers, crowns, bridges, and more.
“CEREC, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, is a computer-assisted technology that enables dentists to create same-day permanent dental restorations.”
Benefits of Choosing a CEREC Restoration
Choosing a CEREC restoration over a traditional dental restoration has its advantages. Three-dimensional imaging means no messy impressions to induce gagging. The path to getting a permanent CEREC restoration is quick, lasting hours or days instead of weeks or months like the lost-wax casting method requires. As the restoration is created quickly in the dental office, there is no need for an interim temporary crown.
CEREC restorations are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The restoration is ceramic, so there is no visible metal to block transparency. The restoration material matches natural teeth and looks and feels like the rest of your teeth.
“Choosing a CEREC restoration over a traditional dental restoration has its advantages.”
CEREC Is the Healthier Option for Dental Health
A CEREC restoration is not only the quicker, more convenient option; it is also the healthier option. This technology allows dentists to use more of the natural tooth than before. Other methods use amalgam to fix tooth damage, but CEREC uses ceramic to save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible.
The CEREC restoration is chemically bonded to teeth to restore its natural beauty and strength. The restoration positioning is non-invasive to the gums and results in a faster healing time. The use of additional dental tissue helps to aid in overall tooth and gum maintenance.
“A CEREC restoration is not only the quicker, more convenient option; it is also the healthier option.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: CEREC® Dentist in Los Gatos, CA
The CEREC Process Length
The process of creating and receiving a CEREC restoration can easily occur in one appointment. While the traditional process of creating a dental crown can take between two to three weeks, we can create and place CEREC crowns in as little as two hours. The CEREC machine can produce a new crown for a patient in four to 20 minutes.
This quick process is especially advantageous for busy patients. CEREC technology eliminates the need for multiple trips to the dentist's office. Our team can create the model of the patient's mouth, make the restoration, and place it all in one appointment with a CEREC machine.
“The process of creating and receiving a CEREC restoration can easily occur in one appointment.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How will CEREC affect my dental health?
Q. What are the benefits of CEREC?
Q. How long does it take to receive a CEREC restoration?
Q. How should patients take care of their CEREC restorations?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should I see the dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?
Q. When would I need a dental restoration?
Q. What additional treatments are available at a general dentist?
What To Expect After Receiving a CEREC Restoration
The CEREC restoration should be treated gently for the first 24 hours so the adhesive can cure completely. Beyond a bit of discomfort and sensitivity for the first few days, no complications are expected. Recommendations include no chewing of hard or sticky foods, such as ice or chewy candy. Even after 24 hours, care should be taken not to damage the restoration.
All teeth should be brushed and flossed daily, and the patient should continue to have regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months. Getting a CEREC restoration is a reliable choice as it tends to be strong and likely to last and resist abrasion. The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free.
“The advanced technology is also a better choice for your overall dental health as there is less risk for tooth decay, and they are metal-free.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do CEREC restorations cost more than traditional ones?
A. CEREC restorations cost around the same amount as traditional ones. Although insurance usually covers CEREC at the same rate as traditional restorations, each patient should request a detailed estimate from an insurance provider in advance. CEREC does not require an additional appointment like other restorations do and may save some patients the cost of another appointment.
Q. Will my CEREC crown only take one day to implant?
A. Having a CEREC machine on-site means the dentist does not have to send impressions to a dental lab to create crowns. Most restorations take one day to complete. A CEREC restoration does not take as long as a traditional, lab-created crown to make.
Q. Does getting a CEREC restoration hurt?
A. Before the restoration, the cosmetic dentist will apply a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. It is normal for teeth to feel sensitive for up to two weeks after the procedure. Patients may experience discomfort when eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold.
Q. Can CEREC technology handle zirconia crowns?
A. According to a BMC Oral Health study, chairside CEREC machines can also use zirconia blocks. As zirconia is crystalline at room temperature, it has to be heat-treated to form a solid block for the milling machine. Once the zirconia crown is milled, it is heated again before being cemented in place.
Q. How does CEREC work with dental implants?
A. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. Individual implants require crowns to complete the restoration and create functional prosthetic teeth. CEREC crowns can bond to implant abutments, just like traditional crowns. CEREC crown strength makes them an excellent choice for dental implants.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Gatos Dental Excellence in Los Gatos now offers CEREC technology to help patients receive quick and accurate dental restorations. To find out if this same-day restoration is right for you, call us at (408) 560-7776.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
About our business and website security
- Gatos Dental Excellence was established in 2025.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Santa Clara County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Gatos, San Jose, Campbell, Cambrian Park, Willow Glen, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and Morgan Hill
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Back to top of CEREC® Dentist