Many patients first hear about CAD/CAM dentistry in Dubuque when a friend mentions getting a crown done in a single visit. At Schultz Family Dentistry, the term means computer-guided design and fabrication of tooth restorations right here in our Dubuque office. Think of a tiny 3-D printer combined with a digital camera. We scan your tooth, design the ideal shape on screen, and the milling unit carves a precise ceramic piece while you relax. Because everything happens chairside, you leave with a finished restoration instead of a temporary one. The result looks and feels like natural enamel and can last for years with routine care.
Inside the Digital Design: From Intraoral Scan to Milling
Search online for CAD/CAM dentistry near you, and you will see how digital tools have changed everyday care. The process starts with a small wand that takes thousands of photos per second, building a precise 3D map of your tooth. Software suggests the perfect contour, our dentist fine-tunes it, and a block of porcelain spins inside the milling unit. Water jets keep things cool, and within minutes, the custom piece is ready for bonding. There is no gooey impression material and no second appointment to swap out a temporary. Because everything is digital, we can zoom in on details invisible to the eye and adjust before the ceramic is cut.
Effortless Appointments: Your Chairside CAD/CAM Journey
When you arrive for your appointment, we numb the area comfortably. After removing any decay and shaping the tooth, we scan; this part often takes less than a minute. While the machine mills, you can check messages, sip water, or simply rest. We test the fit, glaze it for natural shine, and bond it permanently. The entire appointment usually wraps up in about two hours, saving you an extra day off work. Kids often stay entertained watching the mill through its clear window, and anxious adults appreciate that the process is quiet and odor-free.
Restoration Options Unveiled: Crowns, Inlays & Veneers Made Easy
Digital crowns are only the beginning. We rely on this approach for small onlays that strengthen cracked molars, beautiful veneers that brighten a smile, and sturdy bridges that replace missing teeth. The ceramic blocks match your natural shade, resist stains, and feel smooth from day one. Many emergency cases benefit because we can restore a broken tooth before it causes more pain. We also craft inlays that fit inside chewing surfaces, sparing healthy structure compared to a full crown. For cosmetic makeovers, digital veneers allow trial designs that we can preview on screen before we touch the tooth.
Contact Us Today!
Same-day treatment means fewer shots, fewer commutes, and less time waiting. Digital accuracy helps restorations fit tightly, reducing sensitivity and avoiding repeat visits. People looking for a dentist near you appreciate that we combine personal attention with advanced options. We welcome new patients warmly. Ready for easier dental appointments? Stop by 3422 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002 to schedule your consultation today.