Same Day Crowns FAQ

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers a tooth to correct its shape, size, strength, and appearance. You might need a crown to:

• Protect a weak tooth from damage.
• Restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth.
• Cover the tooth with a large filling.
• Hold a dental bridge in place.
• Cover a dental implant.
• Improve the appearance of a discolored tooth.

Same-day crowns are dental crowns that are designed, created, and placed in one single dental appointment. Using computer-aided design (CAD/CAM) technology, your dentist can create a precise, custom-fit ceramic crown right in the office. This process eliminates the long wait times associated with traditional crowns, which require impressions to be sent to an off-site dental lab.

The process for developing same-day crowns is quick and efficient:

• Preparation: Your dentist prepares the affected tooth by removing decay and molding it to fit the crown.
• Digital Scan: Rather than using messy impression putty, we take a digital 3D scan of your tooth.
• Design: Using CAD software, your dentist designs the custom crown on a computer to ensure it reflects the shape and size of your other teeth.
• Milling: The design is taken to an in-office milling machine, which carves the crown from ceramic material in about 15-20 minutes.
• Placement: Your dentist polishes the new crown, checks the fit and bite, and permanently attaches it to your tooth.

Traditional crowns achieve the same restorative goal as same-day crowns but follow a multi-step process. After the tooth is prepared, the dentist takes a physical impression using a putty-like material. This impression is sent to an external dental laboratory where technicians craft the final crown. In between this time, you are fitted with a temporary crown to protect the tooth.

The traditional crown process usually requires at least two appointments spread over two to three weeks. The first step involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions, while the second is placing the permanent crown once it arrives from the lab. The waiting period between appointments can be inconvenient, and temporary crowns sometimes come loose or cause sensitivity.

Same-day crowns, typically made from ceramic, are an excellent option for most situations. They are strong, durable, and natural-looking, making them suitable for back and front teeth. However, in some complex cases, or if a different material like metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal is required for specific bite issues, a traditional lab-made crown might be recommended. Your dentist at Signature Smiles Dentistry will help determine if same-day crowns are a good choice for your specific needs.

A same-day crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care, comparable to traditional crowns. Durability depends on factors like oral hygiene habits, the level of wear and tear the crown is exposed to, and habits like grinding teeth or chewing on complex objects.

The risks associated with same-day crowns are minimal and similar to traditional ones. These can include tooth sensitivity, an improper fit that needs adjustment, or, in rare cases, it becoming loose or falling off. Because the fit is digitally perfected and the crown is placed immediately, some risks are reduced compared to wearing a temporary crown.

Taking care of your new crown is just like caring for your natural teeth. You should follow these steps:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily.
• Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other complex objects.
• Visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings.

Same-day crowns offer a modern, efficient, and reliable solution for restoring your smile without the wait. By combining advanced technology with expert care, Signature Smiles Dentistry provides high-quality restorations in just one appointment. If you’re in Parker, CO, and want to learn whether same-day crowns are right for you, schedule a consultation with our team today.