When your dentist tells you that you need a dental crown, a few important questions usually come up: How much will it cost? What’s the recovery like? How soon can you get the crown?
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, many patients can now choose same-day crowns that restore their teeth in a single visit. This convenient and modern approach can be a great fit depending on your dental needs.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown helps protect a damaged tooth and restore its original shape and size. It can be used if a tooth is broken, has a lot of decay, or is worn down.
Crowns are also used after a root canal to protect the tooth. They help keep the tooth strong and prevent further damage. Crowns are made to look like natural teeth, so they can improve the appearance of your smile as well.
What Is a Same-Day Dental Crown?
A same-day dental crown is a custom-made crown that is designed, fabricated, and placed in a single visit.
In the past, getting a dental crown involved a multi-step process. You would visit the dentist to have an impression taken and get a temporary crown placed. Then, over a week or two, you’d wait for a dental lab to create the permanent crown. Once the crown was made, you’d go back to the dentist to have it fitted and cemented.
Single-visit crowns streamline this process. Instead of sending your information to an outside lab, your dentist can create the crown right in the office using specialized tools. These same-day dental crowns are usually made from ceramic and are custom-fitted using digital technology.
Not every dental practice will place a crown the same day they see you, so you will need to look for dentists who provide same-day crowns near Salt Lake City. For those who qualify, it means you can leave your appointment with a fully restored tooth.
What Is the Process of Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns are made using a system called CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Here’s a quick look at the process.
- Digital Imaging: Your dentist starts by scanning your tooth with a digital camera. This avoids the need for unpleasant-tasting dental putty.
- 3D Design: The scan is uploaded to a computer where a custom dental crown is designed to match the size, shape, and color of your original tooth.
- Milling the Crown: Once the design is complete, a ceramic block is inserted into a milling machine, which carves the crown on-site.
- Fitting and Placement: Your dentist then places the crown onto your tooth, checks the fit, makes any adjustments, and bonds it permanently.
This entire process typically takes about two hours, and you walk out of the dentist’s office with a new, natural-looking tooth.
Are Same-Day Crowns Better Than Traditional Crowns?
Both same-day crowns and traditional crowns aim to restore your tooth’s function and appearance. However, single-visit crowns come with several benefits that may make them a better fit for many patients.
Time Difference
The biggest advantage of a same-day crown is the time you save. Traditional crowns can take several days or even weeks to complete. During that waiting period, you may experience discomfort or feel self-conscious if the tooth is visible.
Same-day crowns are completed in one visit, so you avoid the hassle of multiple appointments and temporary crowns. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule or want a quick solution for a damaged tooth.
Aesthetic Difference
Same-day dental crowns are designed using advanced software that allows for a more precise fit and color match. Because the crown is modeled from a digital scan, it tends to blend in better with your natural teeth. This makes single-visit crowns an ideal option for teeth near the front of your mouth, where appearance is especially important.
Cost Difference
Same-day crowns are generally more expensive than traditional crowns. This is due to the use of specialized technology and the ability to complete everything during a single visit. However, many patients find the convenience and quality worth the additional cost.
Dental insurance coverage can vary, so it is a good idea to speak with your provider and ask your dental office about payment plans or financing options.
Get Same-Day Crowns Near Salt Lake City
If you are ready to restore your tooth quickly and with minimal hassle, single-visit crowns may be the perfect solution. At Weekend Dental Emergency Care, we offer same-day crowns near Salt Lake City to help you get back to feeling and looking your best as soon as possible.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, suffering from decay, or seeking to improve the appearance of a worn tooth, we are here to help. You don’t have to wait for the work week to start. Utah dental offices are open on weekends and offer fast, high-quality dental care when you need it most. Call us at 801-901-9729 or schedule an appointment online today to get started.
