No More Waiting: The Benefits of Same-Day Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are crucial in restoring damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth. Traditionally, they required multiple dental appointments; however, advances in dental technology now allow many patients to receive crowns in one appointment, offering a more efficient alternative to conventional methods. Learn more about the process. 

What Is a Same-Day Crown?

A same-day crown is a permanent dental crown designed, fabricated, and placed in a single dental visit. The crown is created on-site using digital tools and a CEREC milling machine. The machine makes the crown from ceramic or composite resin materials that closely mimic natural tooth appearance. This process eliminates the need for traditional impressions and external dental labs since the dentist can complete the entire process digitally in-house. Dentists use dental crowns for a variety of restorative and cosmetic situations, including:

• Protecting a tooth with a large cavity or weakened structure
• Covering a tooth after root canal treatment
• Restoring a fractured or worn-down tooth
• Replacing an old, failing crown
• Serving as the visible portion of a dental implant

How the Same-Day Crown Process Works

1. Digital Scanning
   Instead of using physical impression material, the dentist uses an intraoral scanner to capture a 3D image of the affected tooth and surrounding area.
2. Designing the Crown
   The dentist uses special software to design a crown that fits precisely over the prepared tooth. They can adjust the shape, size, and bite alignment in real time.
3. Milling the Crown
   Once the design is complete, the dentist sends the information to an in-office milling unit that carves the crown from a solid block of ceramic or similar material. This step usually takes under an hour.
4. Fitting and Bonding
   After verifying the fit and appearance, the dentist permanently bonds the crown to the tooth. Afterward, they can make minor adjustments to the bite or contour.

Advantages of Same-Day Crowns

• Time Efficiency: Patients only need one appointment, which can be helpful for those with busy schedules or limited access to transportation.
• No Temporary Crown: Because the final crown is placed immediately, there is no need for a temporary crown, which can sometimes come loose.
• Digital Precision: Digital impressions and CAD/CAM software can result in highly accurate fits and a reduced need for adjustments.
• Aesthetic Results: The materials used in same-day crowns are tooth-colored and can be shaded to blend with natural teeth.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Material Limitations: Same-day crowns are often made from ceramic and may not always be as strong as traditional lab-made porcelain options.
• Not Suitable for Every Case: Traditional crown methods might be a better option for complex cases.
• Insurance Coverage: Most dental insurance plans that cover crowns will also cover same-day crowns, but verify coverage beforehand.

Same-day crowns exemplify how modern dental technology makes treatments more efficient and comfortable for patients. While they aren’t appropriate for every situation, they offer a convenient and effective solution for many common dental issues. Your dentist can help determine whether a same-day crown is right based on your dental needs and health history. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.