Permanent Crowns in a Single Visit
After a tooth experiences trauma or decay, a custom-made crown can provide the structure and strength needed to function like your regular teeth. A dental crown fits over the natural tooth to correct cosmetic issues, protect the roots, and reduce future damage to the remaining structure.
Traditionally, the process of making dental crowns took a minimum of two visits scheduled several weeks apart. However, same day crowns are now available as a practical solution thanks to advances in dentistry. They have quickly grown in popularity because of their convenience and use of high-quality materials.
Sometimes a patient may benefit more from a traditional lab-created crown. But if you’re interested in seeing a same day dentist, find out what it takes to be eligible for this procedure.
What is a crown?
Restorative dental crowns cover the exposed portion of the natural tooth. They are used for various purposes, including the following:
- Broken teeth
- Severely decayed teeth
- Chips, cracks, and wear
- Root canal-treated teeth
Currently, dental crowns can be made of one of numerous materials. Some create more aesthetically pleasing results, while others are designed primarily to withstand heavy chewing force.
Traditional Crowns vs. Same Day Crowns
Traditional and same day crowns have a few similarities. Each method requires the dentist to prepare the tooth by removing decay and shaping the remaining structure to retain the crown. Both crowns are made with an aesthetic material that matches the color of your existing teeth, helping it blend in with the rest of your smile.
Your dentist will make a few adjustments to ensure the perfect fit before cementing your new crown in place.
With traditional crowns, your dentist prepares the tooth and then ships and impression to a dental laboratory that makes the permanent crowns. Because this takes several weeks, you have to wear a temporary crown during that time to cover and protect the remaining natural tooth structure.
Same day crowns do not require the hassle of a provisional because your dental team makes the final restoration in their office via CAD/CAM manufacturing.
Process for Same Day Dental Crowns
Creating crowns in a single visit uses one of two primary technologies: E4D or Chairside Economical Restoration Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC). Both involve computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). With a CEREC crown, an infrared camera helps capture the intricate details of your tooth, whereas an E4D crown utilizes laser technology.
Once the computer receives the images, it takes approximately 20 minutes to create the details of each surface. Once the crown is finished, it is polished and glazed before being cemented to your natural tooth. After ensuring the crown fits perfectly, your dentist will cement it with permanent dental cement.
The entire process for a same day crown takes around two hours and doesn’t require a gooey impression! With the proper care, your investment can last up to 15 years.
How much does a same day dental crown cost?
According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, dental crowns costs between $1,000 and $3,500. However, numerous factors influence the final price, such as location, the dentist’s training, and whether you have dental insurance coverage.
Who is a candidate for a same day crown?
Generally, if you are a candidate for a traditional dental crown, you can opt for same day crown treatment. Most patients have a mix of cosmetic and structural problems that weaken the natural tooth, including:
- Decay
- Excessive wear
- Chips and cracks
The root of the tooth must be structurally stable too. Any decay must be treated before placing the crown, or the decay will just progress underneath the crown and compromise the restoration.
Choosing a Traditional Crown Over a Same Day Crown
For some patients, traditional crowns may be more suitable. If you need a front tooth crowned, an all-porcelain crown may be more ideal. A lab-created crown can offer a broader range of color options, too, making the new tooth blend better with your natural smile.
When a tooth’s damage extends below the gumline or you grind your teeth, the structure that’s left may not be strong enough to support a same day crown. Some dentists may recommend gold alloy crowns for bruxism (grinding) patients. Currently, CAD/CAM technology cannot support this material, so a dental laboratory must create the restoration.
Lab-created crowns provide your dentist with more material options, which are helpful to have depending on the individual case and patient needs.
Same Day Crowns near Middletown, Ohio
Visit Dr. Steven A. Lang, DDS, to take advantage of high-quality technology to help make your smile beautiful again. We provide comprehensive dental care and will answer any of your questions about dentistry. Call us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about same day crowns.