CEREC: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

CEREC is a chairside CAD/CAM system used to design and make dental restorations in a dental office. It commonly supports same-day crowns, inlays, onlays, and some veneers. CEREC typically uses a digital scan instead of a traditional impression and a milling unit to shape the restoration from a solid block. It is most often used in restorative dentistry to rebuild teeth affected by decay, fractures, or failing restorations.

CAD/CAM crown: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A CAD/CAM crown is a tooth-shaped cap made using digital design and computer-guided manufacturing. It is used to cover and restore a damaged or weakened tooth so it can function and look more natural. CAD/CAM refers to *computer-aided design* and *computer-aided manufacturing*. It is commonly used in general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and implant dentistry.

CAD/CAM onlay: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A CAD/CAM onlay is a custom dental restoration made using computer design and computer-aided manufacturing. It covers and rebuilds part of a tooth, usually one or more cusps (the pointed chewing surfaces). It is commonly used on back teeth (premolars and molars) after decay removal or fracture repair. Many CAD/CAM onlay restorations are made from ceramic or resin-based blocks and are bonded to the tooth.

CAD/CAM inlay: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A CAD/CAM inlay is a tooth-colored filling-like restoration that is designed on a computer and fabricated by a machine. It is made to fit inside the cusps (the pointed chewing parts) of a back tooth. Dentists commonly use CAD/CAM inlay for moderate tooth damage where a simple filling may not be ideal. It is typically bonded to the tooth with dental adhesive and resin cement.

eugenol contamination: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

eugenol contamination means eugenol (an oil from clove and related plants) is left on or within a tooth surface where a resin material needs to bond. It most often comes from eugenol-containing temporary fillings, temporary cements, or sedative dressings used between visits. In dentistry, the concern is that residual eugenol can interfere with how some resin-based materials set or adhere. It is mainly discussed when a temporary restoration is replaced with a resin composite filling or bonded restoration.

provisional cement: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

provisional cement is a temporary dental cement used to hold a restoration in place for a limited time. It helps secure things like temporary crowns, bridges, or trial restorations between appointments. It is designed to seal the tooth and restoration interface while still being removable later. The exact formulation and handling vary by material and manufacturer.

RMGI luting cement: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

RMGI luting cement is a **resin-modified glass ionomer** material used to **cement (lute)** dental restorations onto teeth. It combines features of **traditional glass ionomer cement** and **resin (plastic) chemistry** in one product. It is commonly used when placing **crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, posts, and orthodontic bands**. Its role is to help a restoration stay in place while also helping seal the tooth–restoration margin.

glass ionomer luting cement: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

glass ionomer luting cement is a dental “cement” used to seat (lute) indirect restorations onto teeth. It is commonly used to cement crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, and some orthodontic bands. It chemically bonds to tooth structure and can help seal the margin where the restoration meets the tooth. Many formulations can release fluoride over time, which may support tooth mineral balance around the margins.

luting agent: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A **luting agent** is a dental material used to **cement** a restoration to a tooth or implant component. It acts like a thin “glue layer” that fills tiny gaps and helps hold the restoration in place. luting agent materials are commonly used for **crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, veneers, and posts**. Different luting agent types are chosen based on the restoration, tooth condition, and moisture control needs.