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Escondido CEREC Dentistry

CEREC Technology

Even just a few decades ago, the idea of truly same-day restorative dentistry was completely out of the question. But today, with modern CEREC techniques, dentists such as Douglas G. Hope, DDS, FAGD can offer same-day Escondido cosmetic dentistry and comprehensive dentistry.

Dr. Hope is an expert at creating CEREC crowns, dental bridges, onlays and inlays, and so much more. Learn more about our Escondido CEREC services now, and see how you can benefit from same-day dentistry!

CEREC crown process

What is CEREC?

CEREC is an acronym for CEramic REConstruction. This technology was first used in the 1980s in Switzerland and is now widespread at dental offices around the world.

In a traditional dental office, dental prostheses like crowns, inlays and onlays, and implants are not manufactured “in-house”. The dentist must send images and molds to an external lab, where the prostheses are manufactured. This process is effective, but usually requires several weeks of processing and shipping time.

CEREC uses specialized 3D cutting tools and software to manufacture dental prostheses “chairside”. A dental crown or another prosthesis can be manufactured in as little as 30 minutes, and implanted on the same day, without requiring another appointment. This makes cosmetic dentistry in Escondido much more convenient!

3D imaging equipment at Douglas G Hope dental office

How CEREC Works

The process begins as any standard tooth restoration procedure would. Once preparations are complete for your procedure, Dr. Douglas Hope will use a specialized, high-resolution CEREC digital imaging camera to take a comprehensive picture of your tooth.

Then, this image is used to generate a 3D model of the tooth restoration that is required. Dr. Hope will design your tooth restoration right at your chair! Once the restoration is properly designed and fitted, Dr. Hope will then begin the CEREC process, and the automated CAD/CAM machine will begin crafting your dental prosthesis.

That’s it! Once your prosthesis has been crafted, the rest of the procedure continues normally, and you’ll be finished in just one appointment with our San Marcos CEREC services!

3D imaging equipment at Douglas G Hope dental office

Benefits of CEREC

CEREC is usually a bit more expensive than a traditional restoration, but it’s worth every penny. Here are just a few of the benefits.

  • Same-day service – You don’t have to wait weeks for a restoration to come back from the lab, making CEREC the fastest way to get the dental care you need!
  • No more physical tooth impressions – Biting down on foam blocks and having molds taken of your teeth can be uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive teeth. With digital imaging and CEREC, you don’t have to have physical tooth impressions taken!
  • Excellent color matching – Dr. Hope can choose from a variety of different colored ceramics, to ensure that your restoration matches your teeth precisely.
  • Easy replacement, if necessary – In the rare event that your dental prosthesis must be replaced, your data is saved in the CEREC machine, so it’s incredibly easy to manufacture a replacement.
3D imaging equipment at Douglas G Hope dental office

Am I A Good Candidate for CEREC?

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth and you need a crown, a CEREC crown from Dr. Douglas G. Hope is a good option, especially if you have a busy schedule. Because CEREC only requires one appointment, it’s much easier to fit your treatment into your schedule. 

However, not every damaged tooth can be treated with CEREC. For example, if your tooth is severely damaged and has broken below the gum line, CEREC will not be an option. This is because the handheld 3D imaging tool used for CEREC treatment cannot properly capture fractures below the gumline. To find out if you can benefit from a CEREC crown, come in for a consultation with Dr. Hope, and get the same-day care you need in Escondido, San Marcos, Valley Center, or Rancho Bernardo.

Our Escondido team performs same day dental crowns
Satisfied dental patient

What’s the Difference Between CEREC and Traditional Crowns?

The biggest difference between these two dental prosthetic options is the speed of treatment. With CEREC treatment and digital dentistry, your tooth can be restored in just a single appointment, and you never have to wear a temporary crown. In contrast, traditional crowns usually take about 2-3 weeks to be manufactured at a dental lab.

The design of CEREC crowns and traditional crowns is also different. Most lab-made crowns use a porcelain-fused-to-metal design. This means a thin metal framework supports the ceramic material. These crowns are highly durable and provide great aesthetic results. In contrast, CEREC crowns are milled out of a single block of porcelain, and are made entirely out of ceramic materials. 

Aesthetically, there is also a small difference between CEREC and traditional, lab-made crowns. Due to the limitations of CEREC technology, it’s more difficult to create a crown that incorporates small details. Lab-made crowns tend to look a bit more natural and have a finer level of detail. 

If you are having a crown made for one of your front teeth, this is something to keep in mind, but this difference may be less important when treating your rear teeth.

How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?

CEREC crowns will last just as long as traditional, lab-made crowns. With proper day-to-day care, your crown will have a lifespan of 10-15 years or more. 

To keep your CEREC crown in great shape and make sure it lasts a long time, it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, floss once a day, and come to the office of Dr. Douglas G. Hope every six months for a routine cleaning.

In addition, you may consider getting a nightguard if you grind your teeth, and wearing an athletic mouth guard if you play contact sports. Teeth grinding and oral injuries can damage your crown, so preventing these issues will ensure a long lifespan for your crown.

In the event that your crown does wear down or become damaged, CEREC makes it easy to replace it. Your CEREC crown information will be saved in our CEREC machine, so Dr. Hope can quickly and easily build a replacement for your old crown in just a few minutes.

Smiling CEREC patient

Come To The Office Of Dr. Douglas G. Hope For CEREC In Escondido!

At the office of Douglas G Hope DDS, FAGD, we serve Valley Center, Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Vista, and all of the surrounding regions with same-day dentistry.

So if you’re busy and need tooth treatment in a hurry, we’re the best choice. Our CEREC technology allows us to provide comprehensive tooth restorations in just a single appointment. Not sure if you need our services? Check out some of our past work, and see what our patients have to say about our practice!

Contact us today for an appointment at (760) 480-8883, or visit our office at

511 E 2nd Ave.
Escondido, CA 92025

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Providing dental care to support whole-body health.

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