Same Day Dentistry

With our in office Milling Machine, we can fabricate crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and even veneers that are tooth-colored in a single appointment. 

Exam and Preparation

First, Dr. Patel examines 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 and the clinical judgment of  Dr. Patel. Next, she administers an anesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. This preparation is just like he or she would do for many other restorative techniques.

Optical Impression

Then, we’ll take an Optical Impression of the prepared tooth using our iTero scanner. Instead of filling a tray with impression “goop” that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, a camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth. This whole Optical Impression process takes only a minute or two.

No Temporaries

Next, the milling machine helps Dr. Patel create the restoration for your tooth. The 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen. She then uses her dental expertise to design the restoration using the 3D computer program. Within a few minutes, Dr. Patel clicks a button, and the restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office. A block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine. About 20 minutes later, your tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place. Finally, Dr. Patel tries the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite. The restoration 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!