Most dental restorative methods require more than one visit to the dentist. This means that on the first visit, you get an injection of anesthesia, your tooth prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary restoration put on your tooth. You make a second appointment for a couple of weeks later, get another injection, have the temporary pried off, and have a permanent restoration put on.

With PlanScan E4D, the procedure is done in 1 single appointment, start to finish. The PlanScan E4D procedure can simultaneously design and mill, enabling our dentist to prepare perfectly fitted ceramic restorations in 1 patient visit, with huge savings in time and laboratory costs.

First, our dentist will examine the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining. Next, an anesthetic is administered and your tooth is prepared for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue.

An Optical Impression will then be taken of the prepared tooth. Instead of filling a tray with impression “goop” that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, the tooth is coated with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth.
This whole Optical Impression process only takes a minute or two.

Next, the PlanScan E4D machine helps the doctor create the restoration for your tooth. The PlanScan E4D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen.

The restoration is then designed using the PlanScan E4D computer program. The restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office.

A ceramic block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine. About 10 – 20 minutes later, your all-ceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place. The restoration is inserted into your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite. It is is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth.

Your tooth is restored with no “temporary” or return trip necessary. All of this is done in a single appointment.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our office.