Dental crowns are a common solution for restoring a damaged or weakened tooth, protecting it from further decay, and improving your smile. Getting a traditional dental crown typically requires multiple visits, temporary crowns, and a waiting period of several weeks. Thanks to modern technology, same-day crowns allow patients to get a custom, durable crown in just one appointment—making treatment faster, more convenient, and highly precise.
What Are Same-Day Dental Crowns?
A crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Same-day crowns are created using advanced digital dentistry technology, such as CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). CEREC allows dentists to design and fabricate a crown in-office using high-quality, biocompatible materials, eliminating the need for multiple visits or temporary restorations.
The Same-Day Crown Process
The process of receiving same-day dental crowns typically includes:
- Digital Scanning. Instead of traditional impressions, your dentist uses an intraoral scanner to capture a detailed 3D image of your tooth and surrounding teeth. This creates a precise digital map for your custom crown.
- Dental Crown Design. Using specialized software, the dentist designs the crown to perfectly match the shape, size, and bite of your existing teeth. Adjustments are made digitally to ensure optimal fit, function, and aesthetics.
- Milling. The crown is then milled from a single block of high-quality ceramic or porcelain right in the office. The milling process typically takes 10–20 minutes, and the crown is then polished or stained for a natural appearance.
- Crown Placement. Once the crown is ready, your dentist will check the fit, make any final adjustments, and bond it securely to your tooth. Because the process is completed in a single visit, you leave with a fully restored tooth—no temporary crown, no waiting.
Caring for Your Same-Day Dental Crown
Same-day crowns are durable and designed to function like a natural tooth, but proper care is essential to maintain their longevity:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent decay and gum disease around the crown.
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens, which can chip or crack the crown.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the crown and overall oral health.
- Address teeth grinding or clenching with a nightguard if recommended by your dentist.
With proper care, same-day crowns can last many years, restoring both function and aesthetics seamlessly.
Why Choose Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns offer several advantages over traditional crowns:
- Convenience: Complete treatment in a single appointment.
- Precision: Digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology ensure a perfect fit.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials that mimic natural teeth.
- Comfort: No temporary crowns, fewer appointments, and less time in the dental chair.
Fast, Convenient Smile Restoration
Modern dentistry has made it easier than ever to restore a damaged tooth efficiently, comfortably, and beautifully. If you have a weakened, cracked, or decayed tooth, ask your dentist about same-day crowns – they might be the perfect solution to protect your smile in just one appointment!