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Same-Day Crowns: Revolutionary Dental Technology That Saves You Time

same day crowns

Table of Contents

 

Key Points

  • While dental appliances and implants have been around for thousands of years,1 they have changed a great deal during that time, and the most innovative advances in dental crowns have accelerated exponentially in just the last decade. 
  • The advent of same-day crowns has revolutionized how patients experience this treatment, greatly reducing the time it takes to complete and associated discomfort and hassle. 
  • Understanding how same-day crowns work, including all of the advantages they afford, can help patients determine if it is the best option for their dental treatment needs. 

If you have ever needed a dental crown, you know the traditional process can be tedious. Multiple appointments, temporary crowns, messy impressions, and weeks of waiting have long been the standard.

However, with the development of same-day dental crowns, that is beginning to change. Through innovation and advances in technology and techniques, patients can now expect efficiency and minimal discomfort.

Not all dental offices provide this service, as it requires special training and expertise. At Wells Family Dental, we are proud to offer this solution that is transforming how patients experience restorative dentistry. Keep reading to learn how.

What Are Same-Day Crowns?

Same-day crowns are permanent dental restorations that can be designed, created, and placed in your mouth during a single dental visit. They require the use of  Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) technology, including Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems,  to create high-quality ceramic crowns right in our dental office.2

Instead of sending impressions to an external lab and wearing a temporary crown while you wait, your same-day crowns dentist can complete the entire process in just a few hours. This eliminates the traditional two-week waiting period between appointments, and means you walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a fully restored smile—all in one convenient appointment.

How Do Same-Day Crowns Work?

The process of getting same-day dental crowns is remarkably streamlined and patient-friendly. Here is what you can expect:same-day dental crowns

  1. Preparation and Digital Scanning: Your dentist will first prepare your tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. Instead of dealing with uncomfortable traditional impression materials, we use a state-of-the-art digital scanner to create a precise 3D image of your tooth and surrounding teeth. This digital impression is more accurate and far more comfortable than conventional methods.
  2. Crown Design: Using specialized computer software, your dentist will design your custom crown on-screen. This digital design process allows for precise customization to ensure your new crown fits perfectly with your bite and matches the color and shape of your natural teeth. You can even see a preview of your crown before it is created.
  3. Milling and Fabrication: Once the design is finalized, the digital file is sent to our in-office milling machine. This sophisticated equipment carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality dental ceramic in approximately 15 minutes. The ceramic material is carefully selected to match your natural tooth color.
  4. Finishing and Placement: After the crown is milled, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. The crown is then polished, stained if needed for optimal color matching, and permanently bonded to your prepared tooth. Before you leave, your dentist will check your bite and make final refinements to ensure complete comfort.

Benefits of Choosing Same-Day Crowns

When investigating same-day crowns, patients are often amazed by the numerous advantages this technology offers. These include:

  • Time Savings: The most obvious benefit of same-day crowns is convenience. Traditional crowns require at least two appointments separated by two to three weeks. With same-day crowns, you complete the entire process in one visit, lasting as little as two hours. This is perfect for busy professionals, parents, and anyone who values their time.
  • No Temporary Crowns: Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable, may fall off, and require dietary restrictions. With same-day crowns, you skip the temporary crown phase entirely, avoiding these hassles and potential complications.
  • Fewer Injections: Since everything happens in one appointment, you only need to receive anesthesia once. This means less discomfort and a simpler overall experience.
  • No Messy Impressions: Digital impressions eliminate the need for gooey impression materials that can trigger gagging and discomfort. The digital scanning process is quick, comfortable, and more accurate.
  • High-Quality Results: Same-day crowns are made from durable ceramic materials that closely mimic the appearance and strength of natural teeth. They are designed to last for many years with proper care.
  • Immediate Results: There is something deeply satisfying about leaving the dental office with your permanent crown already in place. You can smile, eat, and speak normally right away without worrying about a temporary restoration.

When Might You Need a Same-Day Crown?

Same-day dental crowns can address various dental issues, including:

  • Severely decayed teeth that have too much damage for a filling.
  • Cracked or broken teeth that need structural reinforcement.
  • Root canal treatment, where a crown protects the treated tooth.
  • Large fillings that have weakened the remaining tooth structure.
  • Cosmetic improvements for misshapen or discolored teeth.
  • Dental implant restoration to replace missing teeth.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or visible damage, it is important to promptly schedule an evaluation with your dentist in Raleigh NC. Early intervention can prevent more extensive and expensive dental problems down the road.

What to Expect After Getting Your Same-Day Crown

After leaving our office with your new same-day crown, here is what you can expect from your same-day crowns:

  • Immediate functionality: Your crown is permanent from day one, so you can eat and drink normally (though we recommend avoiding very hard foods for the first 24 hours).
  • Natural appearance: The ceramic material closely matches your natural teeth in color and translucency.
  • Longevity: With proper care, your crown should last 10 to 15 years, or longer
  • Easy maintenance: Care for your crown just like your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.

Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days after crown placement, but this typically resolves quickly. If you have any concerns after your appointment, our team is always available to help.

Same-Day Crowns Cost

One of the most common questions patients ask is how much same-day crowns cost. The good news is that they are typically comparable in price to traditional crowns. While prices can vary based on factors like tooth location and complexity, most patients find that the cost is similar to conventional crown procedures.

At Wells Family Dental, we believe in transparent pricing. The cost of same-day crowns generally includes:

  • Initial examination and diagnosis
  • Digital imaging and scanning
  • Crown design and fabrication
  • Permanent placement and final adjustments

Most dental insurance plans cover crowns when they are medically necessary, and this coverage typically applies to same-day crowns (just as it would to traditional crowns). We work with most insurance providers and can help you understand your benefits. For patients without insurance or those with remaining out-of-pocket costs, we offer flexible financing options to make your dental care affordable.

Why Choose Wells Family Dental for Your Same-Day Crowns?

As a trusted dentist in Raleigh, NC, Wells Family Dental is committed to providing cutting-edge dental care with a personal touch. Our investment in same-day crown technology reflects our dedication to patient comfort and convenience.

  • Experienced Team: Our dental professionals have extensive training in CEREC technology and digital dentistry. We have helped hundreds of patients restore their smiles with same-day crowns, and we are passionate about delivering exceptional results.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: We continuously invest in the latest dental technology to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Our same-day crown system represents the gold standard in modern restorative dentistry.
  • Comprehensive Care: As one of the leading dental offices in Raleigh NC, we offer complete family dental services under one roof. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic dentistry, or restorative procedures like same-day crowns, we are here to help.
  • Patient-Centered Approach: We understand that dental visits can be stressful for some patients. Our team takes time to explain every step of the process, answer your questions, and ensure you are comfortable throughout your appointment.

Schedule Your Same-Day Crown Consultation

If you are searching for “same-day crowns near me,” look no further than Wells Family Dental. As a leading Raleigh NC dental practice, we are proud to offer this innovative technology to our community. Do not let the thought of multiple appointments and temporary crowns discourage you from getting the dental care you need.

Contact the best dentist Raleigh NC has to offer to schedule a consultation and discover how same-day crowns can restore your smile in just one convenient visit. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions about the process, same-day crowns cost, and insurance coverage. Experience the difference that modern dentistry can make—your perfect smile is just one appointment away!

References

  1. Elia Marin, “History of dental biomaterials: biocompatibility, durability and still open challenges,” Heritage Science, September 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/s40494-023-01046-8.
  2. G. Sannino, F. Germano, L. Arcuri, et al., “CEREC CAD/CAM Chairside System,” Oral & Implantology, April 2015, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4402686/.
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