A ceramic filling can be prepared as manual work or with the use of a milling tool. Some of our dental clinics have CAD/CAM systems that can even be used to prepare a ceramic filling during the appointment!
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design and CAM for Computer-Aided Manufacturing. The most common CAD/CAM system is called CEREC, which is why people often use the term CEREC filling. CAD/CAM systems are used to both design and manufacture the ceramic filling or, for example, a crown.
Ceramic CAD/CAM fillings in practice
In a ceramic CAD/CAM filling process, the tooth is first trimmed and then imaged or scanned in detail. This means that no impressions are necessary. After scanning, 3D models of the tooth or teeth are saved on the computer. The dentist or dental technician uses the software to design a perfectly shaped filling. Finally, the filling is manufactures based on the 3D model with the use of a milling tool. Milling tools used for the manufacture of ceramic fillings are extremely precise.
Once the ceramic filling has been manufactured with the milling tool, the dentist attaches it to the tooth and applies the finishing touches, such as polishing. The end result is a natural, durable and functional tooth. A ceramic filling is usually ready for use immediately after it has been attached.
All this during a single appointment
Ceramic fillings manufactured with the CAD/CAM technology are prepared at either dental laboratories or clinics possessing the necessary equipment. At a dental laboratory, the filling is prepared by a dental technician who receives an impression of the tooth from the dentist. In that case, the customer usually needs to visit the clinic twice: once for the impression and another time for attaching the filling. However, if the dentist has access to a CEREC system at the clinic, the filling can be prepared and attached during a single appointment!
