What Makes One-Day Crowns Unique?
A dental crown – an artificial, permanent cap made from gold or porcelain – helps repair chipped or cracked teeth. Rather than sitting over top, it fits over the entire tooth, extending down to the gum line.
Back in the day, patients would wait up to one month for a crown. The dentist had to make a mold and send it to an off-site lab that created the crown. For many patients, the resulting crown wouldn’t always be a perfect fit, so adjustments might take place after the initial waiting period. During that time, you would be given a filling or temporary crown to ease discomfort. Yet, these impermanent crowns have been known to fall out or feel awkward in your mouth.
Ultimately, same-day crowns cut out the wait time and potential discomfort from temporary coverings. With CEREC CAD/CAM technology, your dentist can digitally design and create a new crown while you’re in the waiting room. Additionally, you leave the office same-day with a precisely fitted, comfortable crown that doesn’t run the risk of falling out.
How Do Same-Day Crowns Work?
A small 3D camera is used to take pictures of the broken tooth and create a digital image with all precise measurements and particulars, including current indents, fissures and pits. This detailed image is used to manufacture the crown on-site, using a CEREC milling machine to create it out of ceramic. Once the crown is ready, it’s fitted and glued to your tooth. The result looks far more natural than a traditional crown and it’s significantly more durable than other available options.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Not every damaged tooth can be remedied by a same-day crown. The location and degree of damage will affect which solutions may be available. For instance, if the fracture goes below the gum line, a traditional crown may be a better fit. During your consultation, one of our dentists will examine your teeth, explore your options and address all questions or concerns.
After your appointment, you will be provided with post-care instructions to protect your new CEREC crown and reap its long-term benefits.
If you have any trouble, we can accommodate emergencies same-day!