Single visit dentistry refers to a dental treatment process where a patient can receive a complete dental restoration or treatment in a single visit to the dentist’s office.
This approach saves patients time and effort by eliminating the need for multiple appointments and reducing the overall treatment time.
Single visit dentistry is made possible by the use of advanced dental technology such as CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) systems and digital imaging equipment. These technologies enable dentists to design, create, and place dental restorations such as crowns, onlays, veneers, and bridges in a single visit, within a few hours.
In addition to the convenience factor, single visit dentistry can also improve patient satisfaction by providing immediate results and reducing the need for temporary restorations and the traditional 2-3 weeks waiting period between visits.
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is the dental technology system that uses computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to create dental restorations in a single dental visit.
With CEREC technology, the dentist takes a digital impression of the patient’s tooth using a special camera, which creates a 3D model of the tooth on a computer screen. The dentist then uses this model to design a custom dental restoration, such as a crown, onlay, bridge or veneer, which is then manufactured in-office using a milling machine.
The entire process can be completed in a single visit, under 2 hours. This is convenient for patients who don’t want to have to return for multiple appointments or wear temporary restorations. The restorations created by CEREC technology are made of high-quality ceramic material, which is durable, long-lasting, and highly aesthetic, providing a natural-looking, strong, comfortable, well-fitted restoration.
Overall, CEREC technology has revolutionized the dental industry by providing a faster, more convenient, and more accurate way to create dental restorations that meet the high standards of modern dentistry.
Here are some benefits of single visit dentistry:
- Convenience and time-saving: One of the biggest advantages of single visit dentistry is convenience. Patients can complete their dental treatment in one appointment, rather than scheduling multiple appointments over several weeks or months.
- Less discomfort: Completing a dental treatment in one visit can help reduce discomfort for the patient. The patient doesn’t have to endure multiple injections, which can cause discomfort and anxiety. CEREC technology uses a digital scanner to take images of the patient’s teeth, which is less invasive and more comfortable than traditional impression, which involves placing a physical mold in the patient’s mouth.
- No need for temporary restorations: In many cases, when dental treatment is completed over multiple visits, temporary restorations need to be placed in between appointments. With single visit dentistry, there’s no need for temporary restorations, which can save time and reduce discomfort for the patient.
- Immediate results: With single visit dentistry, patients can see the results of their treatment immediately. Accuracy: CEREC technology uses computerized imaging to capture detailed images of the patient’s teeth, which leads to highly accurate dental restorations. In contrast, traditional impressions can be subject to errors due to the nature of the impression material and technique used.
- Quality: CEREC technology allows for the creation of dental restorations with high precision and quality, as the CAD/CAM system ensures a perfect fit and design. Traditional impressions, on the other hand, can be prone to distortion during the manufacturing process, leading to lower quality restorations.
In summary, CEREC technology and single visit dentistry offer several advantages over traditional methods, including faster treatment times, greater accuracy, improved patient comfort, and high-quality restorations.
However, it’s important to note that not all dental restorations can be completed using CEREC technology, and some cases may still require traditional impressions. It’s best to consult with your Sydney dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
