How Same-Day Dental Crowns Can Restore Your Smile in a Single Visit

Dental crowns are a common device for replacing damaged teeth. A porcelain cap is added to the tooth to protect it from further damage. The procedure used to require a couple of visits to the dentist’s office. The dentist would create a mold of your teeth and send it to the dental lab. In the meantime, they’d place a temporary crown on the tooth until the permanent one arrived from the lab. However, new technology is speeding up the process and restoring your smile in just one day.

Understanding Same-Day Dental Crowns

Same-day dental crowns, or one-visit crowns, are crafted and placed within a single appointment. Unlike traditional crowns that require multiple visits and temporary crowns, same-day crowns use cutting-edge technology, CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This technology enables dentists to design, create, and fit a custom crown while you wait.

Instead of traditional impressions, the dentist starts by taking digital scans of your teeth. Using CAD/CAM technology, the dentist designs your crown on a computer. The design is sent to an in-office milling machine that crafts the crown from a ceramic block. Once the crown is ready, the dentist fits it onto your tooth, making any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit. Then, the dentist polishes the crown to match the natural sheen of your teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance.

Benefits of Same-Day Dental Crowns

The most significant benefit of this new technology is the time it saves. The entire process is completed in one visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments. There is no need for temporary crowns or numerous numbing sessions, leading to a more comfortable experience and faster recovery time. You leave the office with a fully restored tooth that matches the color and shape of your natural teeth rather than returning a week or two later to finish the process. Additionally, digital technology allows the dentist to take 3D photograph your mouth. The thorough imaging is precise and helps make a crown that fits your specific tooth perfectly. 

Same-day crowns are ideal for patients with:

• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Severe tooth decay
• Worn-down teeth
• Teeth that need aesthetic improvements

Cost and Insurance Considerations

While same-day crowns may have a higher upfront cost than traditional crowns, they often save money in the long run by reducing the need for additional appointments and temporary crowns. Many insurance plans cover same-day crowns, and financing options are available to make the procedure more affordable.

Same-day dental crowns provide a quick, efficient, and comfortable solution for restoring your smile. With advanced technology, you can walk into the dentist’s office and leave with a beautifully restored tooth in just one visit. Learn more about our restorative same-day crown services at Family Dentistry of Lakewood.

Learn More About Same-Day Crowns