CEREC®
A broken or worn-down tooth has a way of showing up at the worst possible moment, and the last thing you want to hear is that fixing it means two appointments and a temporary crown in between. The good news is that same-day crown technology has changed what a single dental visit in Houma can actually accomplish.
At Porche Dental Care, we designed our practice around removing that burden. Dr. Corey Porche introduced CEREC same-day crown technology to the office years ago and has continued to build on it, adding an in-house 3D printer to enhance what same-day dentistry can offer Houma patients. The result is a crown that is designed, milled, and placed in a single visit, so you leave with your permanent restoration already in place.
What Makes CEREC Same-Day Crowns Different From Traditional Crowns?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Instead of taking a physical impression of your tooth and sending it to an outside lab, we use a digital scanner to capture a precise 3D image of the prepared tooth. That image becomes the blueprint for your new crown — and from there, the process moves through design and fabrication without ever leaving the building.
How the Same-Day Crown Appointment Works
Getting a CEREC crown at our Houma office follows the same clinical steps as a traditional crown, just condensed into one appointment:
Because every step happens in our office, there is no gap between preparation and placement where a temporary crown could shift, crack, or come loose.
The Benefits of Same-Day Crowns for Busy Patients
Houma families and working adults often lack the flexibility to take two separate afternoons off for a single dental procedure. Same-day crowns solve that problem directly by collapsing the entire process into one visit. You also avoid the discomfort that can come with a temporary crown, as well as the risk of it dislodging while you wait for your permanent restoration to arrive from an outside lab.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a CEREC Crown?
Most patients who need a traditional crown are also good candidates for a same-day CEREC crown. This commonly includes patients with:
- A tooth that has cracked or fractured but still has enough healthy structure to support a crown
- A large, failing filling that needs a more durable, long-term solution
- A tooth that has become worn down from years of grinding or clenching
- A cosmetic concern where a crown can restore both function and appearance in one visit
- A dental implant that needs a same-day crown placed to complete the restoration
The best way to know if a same-day crown is right for your situation is a full evaluation with Dr. Porche, since every tooth and bite pattern is different.
Restore Your Smile in One Visit at Porche Dental Care
Dr. Porche has spent years refining the technology behind same-day dentistry at our practice, pairing CEREC with in-house 3D printing so Houma patients can walk out with a finished restoration instead of a temporary one. As a fee-for-service, out-of-network practice, we also offer CareCredit financing to help make same-day crowns fit within your budget without the constraints of insurance network rules.
If you are dealing with a damaged or worn tooth and want a long-term solution without the wait, our team is ready to help you get back to normal in a single appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About CEREC Same-Day Crowns
How long does a CEREC crown appointment take?
Most CEREC crown appointments run between two and three hours from start to finish. This includes tooth preparation, digital scanning, crown design, milling, and final placement. The exact time depends on which tooth is being crowned and any adjustments needed to perfect the fit and bite before permanent placement.
Are CEREC crowns as strong as lab-made crowns?
Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from high-quality ceramic blocks designed specifically for dental restorations. Milled ceramic is generally considered stronger than traditional layered and pressed ceramic methods. CEREC crowns are metal-free, biocompatible with natural tissue, and designed to handle normal chewing forces for many years with proper care.
Will my CEREC crown look natural?
Yes. The ceramic materials used in CEREC restorations are matched to the color and translucency of your surrounding teeth, so the crown blends in naturally. Dr. Porche takes care during the design phase to ensure the shape, color, and bite all match before the crown is permanently placed.
Does a CEREC crown require any special care?
No special care is required beyond what you would do for your natural teeth — brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular professional cleanings and exams. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or using your teeth to open packaging helps protect any crown, same-day or traditional, from chipping or fracture over time.
Is CEREC technology covered by dental insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. Most dental insurance policies cover crowns as a restorative procedure regardless of the technology used to fabricate them. As a fee-for-service, out-of-network practice, we can provide documentation to help you submit claims for reimbursement, and CareCredit financing is available to help cover any out-of-pocket portion.
Can CEREC be used for restorations other than crowns?
Yes. CEREC technology can also be used to create inlays, onlays, and veneers in a single visit. The same digital workflow that powers same-day crowns applies to other ceramic restorations, making it a versatile system for a range of restorative and cosmetic needs. Dr. Porche will let you know during your evaluation whether CEREC is the right fit for your specific restoration.
