Is Numbing Agent Needed for Cerec Fitting?

Many times you will need to be given local anesthetic when being fitted for a CEREC crown.  The procedure is very similar to having a lab fabricated crown in that the tooth will have to be reshaped to make room for the crown.  This would require you to be numb.  The difference with CEREC is that you will receive your permanent crown the same visit instead of leaving with a temporary crown.  Hope this helps. 

It is better to anesthetize the patient when you deliver any type of restoration, including Cerec. Local anesthetic prevents any sensitivity that the patient might have during this procedure. The patient is recommended  to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol if he experience sensitivity afterwards.

Only if you find the tooth to be very sensative when the dentist removes the temporary. If so, good idea to numb.

We routinely use anesthesia when performing a CEREC restoration on a patient.  The patient's comfort during the procedure most important.  The only difference between a traditional crown and a CEREC is that the crown can be bonded in place the same day. 

This is not to say that anesthesia is required.  We have had many patients undergo a variety of dental procedures without "The Shot", including CEREC procedures.  Frankly, some patients have a greater tolerance than others. 

We also recommend the use of analgesics after most procedures to avoid any post operative discomfort as the anesthesia is wares off.

In our office the fitting of the CEREC filling or crown is done on the same day as the preparation. That is one of the great advantages of having the CEREC!! Therefore, the patient is aleady numb from the preparation. However, if the CEREC restoration is done on a separate day than most likely you will have to get numb again. (again another disadvantage of not having the fitting the same day) Otherwise you will be too sensitive. If the tooth has had a root canal then no you willnot need to be numb for the fitting.

If i think the patient will be sensitive or swollen after I recommend Advil ( ibuprofen) dircetly after the treatment. We keep Advil in the office for such occassions

Of the most typical anesthetic agents used now are

1.spetocaine (my favorite)

2. lidocaine (used for a long time)

3. marcaine (lasts for long time)

You will definately need anestheetic for a cerec due to the prepping of the tooth, the cleaning of the preparation, and the process of bonding the ceramics to the tooth (requires alot of air and water that are usually sensitive)

I always like to premed the patient with 2 advil and 2 tylenol before each invasive dental appointment to cut down on post of pain (due to soar muscles from opening or gingival irritation) 1 hour before appt

One of the biggest benefits of a CEREC crown is that the procedure is done in one visit, therefor you should still be numb from the initial injection of anesthetic.  If for some reason you need to come back for a visit to bond the crown, it is usually necessary to numb the tooth again.  Different dentists have their own preferences for numbing agents, the important thing is that they choose the agent that is the most comfortable for you.  After the seat appointment it is rare that you would need anything more than ibuprofen for pain.

Often times your doctor will administer regular 'Novocain' for the crown insertion appointment. This will vary, sometimes no anesthesia is needed.

After the crown insertion, some patients might want to take Tylenol or Advil, but it also varies.  Most patients will not need any post insertion pain medication.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Alper

One of the big advantages to CEREC crowns is that they can be milled, fitted, and cemented all at the same appointment while you are already numb.  In some cases though, a dentist may want you to come back after the preparation appointment.  If that is the case and you had to wear a temporary, then you would more than likely want to have some local anesthetic for the delivery/cementation of the crown.  The tooth preparation needs to be cleaned very well and in most cases bonding agents placed on it before the crown is cemented.  This can be uncomfortable if the tooth is not already anesthetized. 

After a crown is delivered most patients do not need pain medication, but ocasionally it can be helpful if you have very sensitive teeth.  I would recommend a tylenol 500mg and ibuprofen 400mg together every 6 hours for the first 24 hours.

All the Best!

Having a tooth restored with a CEREC crown is no different than any other dental procedure.  If you need to be numb for other procedures, you will need to be numb for this one too.  The difference here is that CEREC is a one visit procedure meaning you won't have to return for a second visit and more numbing to place the crown.  As far as pain is concerned, if you need anything at all, I would recommend a Motrin, Advil or Alleve type medication as they have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that Tylenol cannot match.  if you are allergic to these, then use the Tylenol.

I hope this helps to clarify your concerns.