Frequently Asked Questions

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) PrimeScan is a state-of-the-art CAD/CAM system that allows us to create highly precise dental restorations like crowns, inlays, and onlays right here in our office. This means you can receive your permanent restoration in a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments.

Benefits include:
* Same-Day Restorations: Get your permanent crown or other restoration in just one visit.
* No Temporaries: Avoid the hassle and potential discomfort of a temporary crown.
* Precise Fit: Digital impressions and computer-aided design ensure an incredibly accurate and comfortable fit.
* Natural-Looking Results: Restorations are crafted from high-quality ceramic, closely matching your natural tooth color.

"One-Day Implants," often referred to as "Teeth in a Day," refers to a procedure where a dental implant (the titanium post that replaces the tooth root) and a temporary crown or denture can be placed during the same appointment. While the implant still needs time to fuse with the bone (osseointegration), you can leave our office with a functional and aesthetically pleasing tooth on the same day, avoiding a period with a gap.

One-Day Crowns are made possible by technology like CEREC PrimeScan. After preparing your tooth, we use a digital scanner to create a 3D image of your tooth. This image is then used by our in-office milling machine to craft your custom ceramic crown while you wait. The crown is then bonded to your tooth in the same visit, typically within a few hours.

Lasers offer numerous advantages for various dental procedures, including gum treatments, cavity preparation, and soft tissue surgeries. Benefits often include:
* Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Often allows for less or no anesthesia.
* Faster Healing: Lasers minimize bleeding and swelling, promoting quicker recovery.
* Increased Precision: Allows for highly accurate treatment, preserving more healthy tissue.
* Reduced Risk of Infection: Lasers sterilize the treatment area.
* Less Anxiety: Many patients find laser procedures more comfortable and less intimidating than traditional methods.

For many cases, we can complete a root canal in a single visit. This offers:
* Convenience: Saves you time by combining diagnosis and treatment into one appointment.
* Immediate Relief: Addresses the source of pain and infection promptly.
* Reduced Anxiety: Eliminates the need for multiple visits, which can ease dental fears.

Digital X-rays are a significant advancement in dental imaging. Their benefits include:
* Reduced Radiation Exposure: Up to 90% less radiation compared to traditional film X-rays.
* Instant Images: Images appear immediately on a computer screen, allowing for quicker diagnosis and discussion.
* Enhanced Clarity: Images can be enlarged, adjusted, and filtered for better diagnostic accuracy.
* Environmentally Friendly: Eliminates the need for chemical processing and film waste.
* Easy Archiving: Digital images are easily stored and transferred.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Our cosmetic services include procedures like:
* Dental bonding
* Porcelain veneers
* Teeth whitening
* Gum contouring
* Smile makeovers (combining multiple procedures for a comprehensive transformation)

A Periodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. At Lancaster Dental Associates PC, our periodontist provides specialized care for conditions like:
* Gingivitis and Periodontitis (gum disease) treatment
* Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
* Gum grafting for receding gums
* Crown lengthening
* Dental implant placement (focusing on the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue)

SureSmile Aligners are clear, custom-made orthodontic aligners designed to gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position. They offer a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. SureSmile uses advanced digital technology to create a precise treatment plan for predictable results.

Both SureSmile and Invisalign are effective clear aligner systems. SureSmile utilizes advanced digital scanning and treatment planning technology to create aligners that are often laser-trimmed for a precise and comfortable fit. While treatment times can vary by individual, some patients find SureSmile to be a faster and potentially more affordable option than other brands. We can discuss which clear aligner system is best suited for your specific needs during a consultation.