When it comes to restoring a damaged or decayed tooth, a dental crown can offer a durable, natural-looking solution. Traditionally, getting a crown involved multiple appointments and waiting for weeks while a temporary crown was placed. However, with advancements in dental technology, same day crowns have revolutionized the way crowns are made and placed. In this blog, we’ll explore what same day crowns are, the benefits they offer, and why they might be the perfect choice for you.
What Are Same Day Crowns?
Same day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are crowns that can be designed, created, and placed in a single dental visit. Unlike traditional crowns that require two appointments and a waiting period for the lab to fabricate the crown, same day crowns use advanced computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology to produce the crown on-site.
This advanced technology allows your dentist to take a 3D scan of your tooth, design the crown using specialized software, and then mill the crown from a single block of ceramic material. The process typically takes only about 2 hours, meaning you can walk out of the office with a fully restored tooth in just one visit.
If you’re looking for other restorative options, we also offer dental implants and same-day dental crowns to address damaged or missing teeth.
Benefits of Same Day Crowns
Same day crowns offer a variety of benefits over traditional crowns, making them a popular choice for many patients. Here are some key advantages:
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Quick and Convenient: With traditional crowns, you would need to wait weeks for your permanent crown to be fabricated, during which time you’d wear a temporary crown. Same day crowns eliminate this waiting period, allowing you to have your tooth restored in a single visit.
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No Temporary Crowns: You don’t have to deal with a temporary crown that can be uncomfortable or prone to falling off before your final crown is ready. Same day crowns are designed, created, and placed in one appointment.
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Precise Fit: Thanks to advanced CAD/CAM technology, same day crowns offer a highly accurate and comfortable fit, tailored specifically to your tooth’s unique shape and size.
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Durable and Natural-Looking: Made from high-quality ceramic materials, same day crowns provide a strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
For more information on restorative treatments, check out our restorative dentistry services, including options like dental veneers and dental crowns.
How Same Day Crowns Are Made
The process of getting a same day crown is simple, efficient, and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
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Consultation and Imaging: The first step is to take digital impressions of your damaged or decayed tooth. This is done using advanced 3D scanning technology, which eliminates the need for messy, uncomfortable traditional molds.
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Designing the Crown: Using CAD software, your dentist will design the crown to fit perfectly with your tooth, ensuring it aligns with your bite and matches the natural shape of your teeth.
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Milling the Crown: After designing your crown, the information is sent to an in-office milling machine that carves the crown from a ceramic block. The milling process typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
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Fitting the Crown: Once the crown is ready, your dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before permanently bonding the crown to your tooth.
If you’re concerned about tooth decay or damage, be sure to read our guide on understanding tooth decay and cavities to learn more about how dental crowns can help restore your oral health.
Are Same Day Crowns Right for You?
Same day crowns can be an excellent option for many patients, but they may not be suitable for every situation. Some factors to consider include:
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Extent of Damage: If your tooth has extensive damage or decay, a traditional crown or dental implants might be necessary to restore its structure and function.
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Candidacy: Your dentist will assess the health of your gums and surrounding teeth to ensure that you're a good candidate for a same day crown.
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Aesthetic Goals: If you’re interested in achieving the most natural-looking results possible, cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as porcelain veneers, may also be a good solution in combination with same day crowns.
If you’re uncertain whether a same day crown is right for you, schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your treatment options.
Caring for Your Same Day Crown
After your same day crown is placed, it’s important to take proper care of it to ensure its longevity. Here are a few tips:
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Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup around your crown and the surrounding teeth.
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Avoid Hard Foods: While ceramic crowns are durable, they can still chip if exposed to excessive force. Avoid biting on hard objects or foods like ice and nuts.
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Regular Checkups: Keep up with regular dental visits to ensure your crown remains in good condition and to address any issues before they become serious.
For additional tips on maintaining your oral health, explore our guide to teeth whitening and how to care for your Invisalign aligners.
Get Your Smile Restored in a Day with Same Day Crowns
Same day crowns are a fast, convenient, and reliable solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. With advanced technology and a streamlined process, you can enjoy a fully restored smile in just one visit. At Flossy Smiles, we’re committed to providing the highest quality care, using the latest advancements in dental technology to ensure you leave our office with a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you’re interested in learning more about same day crowns or other restorative treatments, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
FAQs about Same Day Crowns
1. What are same day crowns and how do they work?
Same day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are dental crowns that are designed, fabricated, and placed all in one visit. Using advanced CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) technology, your dentist takes a 3D scan of your tooth, designs the crown, and mills it from a single ceramic block. This entire process takes about two hours, meaning you can leave with a fully restored tooth in just one appointment.
2. What are the advantages of same day crowns over traditional crowns?
Same day crowns offer several benefits over traditional crowns, including:
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Quick and convenient: The crown is completed in a single visit, so there's no need for a second appointment or a temporary crown.
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Precise fit: CAD/CAM technology ensures an accurate, custom fit that matches your tooth's unique shape.
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Durability and aesthetics: Same day crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that are strong and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
3. How are same day crowns made?
The process begins with your dentist taking digital impressions of your damaged tooth using 3D scanning technology. Then, they use CAD software to design a crown that fits perfectly. The information is sent to a milling machine, which carves the crown from a ceramic block. After milling, the crown is fitted and bonded to your tooth, all in one visit.
4. Are same day crowns right for me?
Same day crowns are suitable for many patients with damaged or decayed teeth, but they may not be appropriate for every case. If the damage is extensive, a traditional crown or dental implants may be necessary. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your tooth and surrounding gums to determine if you’re a good candidate for a same day crown.
5. How do I care for my same day crown?
To ensure the longevity of your same day crown, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid biting on hard objects or foods, as ceramic crowns can chip under excessive pressure. Additionally, keep up with regular dental checkups to ensure your crown remains in good condition.