CAD/CAM Dentistry in Murrieta
For patients who have missing or damaged teeth, the latest innovations in dental technology offer a new level of fast, high-quality dental restorations. Dental restoration is an umbrella term for the various types of tooth replacement, especially dental crowns (e.g. caps).
We have adopted CAD/CAM dental technology to bring these new treatment options to our clients. CAD stands for computer-aided design & CAM stands for computer-aided manufacturing.
Whenever we create a dental restoration for a patient, whether it’s a single crown or an entire bridge or denture, the first step is making a model of your mouth. Traditionally, this involved taking impressions by having you bite down on a pudding-like goop for several minutes. With CAD we use a digital 3-D scanner instead. The scanner is actually just a small handheld camera on a wand, which is moved back & forth & around your teeth to capture all sides.
What is CAD/CAM Dentistry?
The digital scan is instantly transmitted to a specialized computer program where a 3-D model of your teeth is automatically generated. Using tools built into the program, the Murrieta dentist then sculpts a new virtual tooth (or teeth in the case of multiple-tooth restorations). By also scanning the opposing teeth, the dentist can model how the restoration will fit when your teeth come together. This encompasses the computer-aided design part of the procedure.
Next comes the computer-aided manufacturing. Once the design is complete, the dentist sends the file to an automated milling machine that’s located right in our office. The dentist will then choose a block of ceramic or porcelain (about 1-inch square) that matches the shade of your natural teeth. The block is placed in the milling machine & automated drills start carving into it, like an artist carving a sculpture out of marble, but much faster. The diamond drill bits cut the block into the shape of the tooth determined by the 3-D design.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing Improves Efficiency
CAD/CAM improves the efficiency, speed & especially the accuracy of many dental restoration procedures. With traditional ways of making a model of your mouth, using impressions, molds & casting, there is the possibility of distortions occurring that make the model slightly inaccurate. When a dental crown is made on a slightly inaccurate model, there is higher chance that the fit of the crown will have to be adjusted a lot before it is comfortable. With CAD/CAM restorations, we get a perfect fit the vast majority of the time! With this technology, we can get your smile back to normal faster than ever & with beautiful results.
For a crown for a single tooth, the milling process takes about 10 minutes. The finished crown is then polished, sometimes glazed for color or shine, & then baked in a small oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Thanks to computer-aided manufacturing, the entire crown fabrication process can take place while you’re relaxing in the dental chair, as opposed to in the past, where we’d have to send you home with a temporary crown & have you come back a day or a week later once a laboratory had completed the crown.
Meet Your Murrieta Dentist
Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS – Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS, is a graduate of the University of Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He has also received extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, rotary endodontics and removable prosthodontics (dentures). Dr. Pulsipher is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, International Association for Orthodontics & the Tri-County Dental Society.
5-Star Murrieta Dental Services
We make it fun for children to visit their dentist in Murrieta.
Get relief from dental anxiety for comfortable dental procedures.
Straighten teeth with a wide-range of options from Invisalign to traditional braces.
Reshape your gum line with gum contouring to fix gummy smiles and small teeth.
Replace a missing tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth with All-on-4 dental implants.
Diagnotics and solutions for tooth and gum infections including root canals and gum disease treatment.
Visit Springs Dental
We are located in the Murrieta Springs Professional Park off Murrieta Hot Springs Road.
Hours
~ Daily lunch break 12 Noon–1pm
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Insurance & Financing
We love your insurance and respect your budget and busy schedule. There are little to no out-of-pocket costs for most insured patients on cleanings, exams and x-rays.
0% financing is available on approved credit. While most insured families receive the majority of preventive services for FREE, we offer many different payment options, including CareCredit, so uninsured patients can still receive the dental care they need in a manner that fits their budget.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do dentist appointments take?
Routine dental appointments, like teeth cleanings and dental checkups, take 45 minutes to an hour. Procedures like fillings, crowns, extractions, and dental implants can take up to two hours, depending on the complexity.
When should I go for an emergency dentist in Murrieta?
Come into Springs Dental for a same-day emergency dentist in Murrieta when you’re experiencing:
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Severe tooth pain that doesn’t go away
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A broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth
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Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
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Bleeding that won’t stop after a dental injury
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A lost filling, crown, or dental appliance causing pain or sensitivity
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Signs of infection, like a bad taste in your mouth, fever, or pus
If you’re ever unsure, call us and we will guide you on what to do next.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. A dental implant has three parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the crown. While the post is typically permanent, the crown may need replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear.
How long does Invisalign take in Murrieta?
Invisalign treatment takes between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Mild tooth alignment issues take 6 to 12 months, while more advanced corrections can take over a year.
Do you do payment plans?
Yes, we have several options for payment plans and offer CareCredit so you never have to delay getting the dental treatment that you need.