What are same-day crowns?
Same-day crowns are just what they sound like. You're going to come into our office, we're going to prepare the tooth, and in many cases, you're going to leave that day with your permanent crown.
That's different from the traditional crown process, where you would come in, have the tooth prepared, and receive a temporary crown. We would send an impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth to a dental lab, they would make the crown, and then you would come back at another appointment to have your permanent crown placed.
How do same-day crowns work?
The technology is actually really awesome. Everything is done digitally. We prepare the tooth just like we normally would for a crown. Then we use a digital scanner to capture the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth.
We use that information to design the crown digitally. Our milling machine takes a block of dental material and mills the crown into the planned shape. Depending on the material we're using, the crown may also go through an additional firing or finishing process.
Then we're going to bring it back to you while you've been waiting and relaxing. We'll evaluate the fit, bite, and appearance and then bond or cement it into place. When you leave, the goal is for you to be finished with the crown procedure.
Who is a candidate for same-day crowns?
It really depends on what the tooth needs, where it's located in the mouth, and what kind of restoration and protection we're looking for. In many situations, we can make a same-day crown because we have different materials and the ability to design the restoration specifically for the tooth.
There are situations where we may recommend having a dental laboratory make the crown instead. For example, certain highly aesthetic or complex cases may benefit from additional laboratory customization.
We'll evaluate the condition of your tooth, your bite, your oral health, and your restorative needs to determine if a same-day crown is an appropriate option.
What system do you use for same-day crowns?
We use the CEREC system for our same-day crowns. It gives us a digital workflow that allows us to scan the teeth, design the restoration, and mill the crown here in the office.
We've had good results with the workflow, fit, and materials available through the system. The appropriate material is selected based on the individual tooth and what that restoration needs to accomplish.
What can I expect during a same-day crown appointment?
You're going to come in, and we'll get you numb just like we would for a traditional crown procedure. We'll prepare the tooth and then digitally scan the area.
While we design, mill, and finish the crown, you'll have some time to sit and relax. You can look at your phone or stretch your legs if you need to.
Once the crown is ready, we'll evaluate the fit, bite, and appearance. Then we'll bond or cement it into place, clean everything up, and you'll be able to leave with your permanent crown.
Are same-day crowns different from traditional crowns?
The biggest difference is where and how the crown is made. A traditional crown is generally fabricated by a dental laboratory between appointments, while a same-day crown is digitally designed and fabricated in the dental office.
Both approaches can provide durable, well-fitting restorations when they're appropriately planned and fabricated. Which option makes sense depends on the tooth, material, aesthetic needs, and individual treatment plan.
What are the disadvantages of same-day crowns?
Same-day crowns can be very convenient, but they aren't necessarily the right option for every case. Certain complex or highly aesthetic restorations may benefit from the additional customization available through a dental laboratory.
The appointment can also be longer because the tooth preparation, digital design, fabrication, finishing, and placement all happen during the same visit. We'll discuss which approach is appropriate based on your individual needs.
How much do same-day crowns cost?
At our office, we don't charge more simply because a crown is made the same day. Your actual cost depends on your treatment and individual insurance benefits.
If you also need another procedure, such as root canal treatment, there may be situations where the root canal and crown can be completed during the same visit. That depends on the condition of the tooth, the treatment required, and the amount of time needed.
How can I find a dentist who does same-day crowns?
You can call your dental office and ask if they provide same-day crowns or look for information about digital or CEREC crowns on their website. You can also ask what system they use and whether your particular tooth may be a candidate for a same-day restoration.
Understanding your dental care options is an important part of protecting your oral health. Contact us at (623) 632-0726 or email [email protected] with any questions.