CEREC 3D is one of the newest technologies assisting in the field of dentristy but many people in the Kingdom are still unaware of it and the many advantages it offers. Fundamentally, CEREC 3D is an instrument that allows dentists to restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings that save the patient both time and inconvenience. It is used to replace failed restorations, broken teeth and old - and harmful - mercury fillings with porcelain fillings and crowns in a single visit. Dr. Yasser Satas is a cosmetic dentist in the Ogaly Group in Madinah, and one of the first health experts in the Kingdom to use this technology. He spoke to Saudi Gazette about the procedure and its advantages. “CEREC uses CAD/CAM technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine all into one instrument,” he stated. “By using a special camera, we take a digital image of the tooth which is then displayed on the computer monitor where we design the restoration by 3D CAD technology.” The machine automatically creates the porcelain restoration and the doctor binds the restoration to the surface of the prepared tooth producing a brand new tooth. One of the advantages of the CEREC is that it takes no time, according to Dr. Satas. “Usual restoration methods require more than one session, but with the new device, a single appointment is enough for us to fabricate and fit the restoration,” he explained. The CEREC method also helps the dentist avoid using temporary restorations and the resultant two weeks' wait for fitting of the final restorations. Dr. Satas added that the restorations are strong, and natural looking because they are made out of tooth-colored ceramic material. “The material used to create the restoration is resistant to color change and will remain the way it is for more than ten years,” he said. “It is suitable for all ages and especially for those people who do not have enough time to go through the usual methods.” Majedah Essam is a 26-year-old woman who has undergone this procedure and told Saudi Gazette that the new technology worked for her. “I used to have some problems with my teeth, especially the front ones, and I did not have enough time before my wedding to get them fixed in the usual way,” she said. It should be noted that researchers have concluded that restorations through CEREC 3D have proven to be precise, effective and safe. The device was first used in the Kingdom in 2006 and according to a poll by Ogaly Group's Web site, 82 percent of people in the Kingdom are still unaware of it.
