Dental Crowns and Same-Day Crowns

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that is shaped like a tooth and placed over a a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. It can also cover up a cracked or chipped tooth, reinforce weak teeth, change the shape of your teeth, cap a dental implant, or be used for dental bridge procedures. Crowns are made from materials such as porcelain, and are designed to match your natural tooth color as closely as possible.

If your tooth is damaged and needs a crown, it is important to get it taken care of quickly. A damaged tooth can easily become infected and cause pain or other complications. With same-day crowns, you can rest assured knowing that your tooth will be fixed in one visit without waiting weeks for a permanent crown.

Types of Crowns

Various materials are used to make crowns, including porcelain and metal.

• Porcelain Crowns: A popular material because it can be crafted to match the color of your natural teeth.
• Metal Crowns: Stronger and more durable than porcelain crowns, making them a great option for teeth that take a lot of pressure. A downside is they are less aesthetically attractive than porcelain crowns.
• Zirconia Crowns: A good balance between the strength and appearance of porcelain and metal crowns. Zirconia crowns are durable but still have a natural tooth-like appearance. Zirconia is typically more expensive than porcelain and metal crowns. 

What Are Same-Day Crowns? 

Same-day crowns are dental crowns crafted and placed in the same appointment. Instead of waiting weeks for your custom crown to come back from a lab, we can make it right here in our office using our CAD/CAM technology! 

Same-day crowns offer many advantages over traditional crowns:

• Fast turnaround time: Same-day crowns are created and placed in a single visit, eliminating the need for a temporary crown or an extra appointment. Patients can save money on their dental care without sacrificing quality.
• Fast relief: Because your crown can be placed on the same day, you don’t have to wait for relief from a cracked or chipped tooth. With same-day crowns, you can have your tooth restored quickly and efficiently without waiting for a traditional crown to be made. This means you don’t have to deal with a weak, unreliable temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one.
• Aesthetic appearance: Our CAD/CAM technology can create a custom crown tailored to match your natural tooth color and shape from a block of ceramic (porcelain). This technology allows dentists to design restorations that fit accurately and comfortably without needing uncomfortable and messy impressions. The digital impressions taken by the dentist are much more precise than traditional methods, resulting in a restoration that fits perfectly and provides maximum comfort. 

Disadvantages of Same-day Crowns

While same-day crowns offer many advantages, it is good to know the potential disadvantages. Some disadvantages are:

• Same-day crowns tend to be less strong than traditional crowns.
• Same-day crowns are only appropriate for some patients; if your tooth is fractured under the gumline, it can be difficult for your dentist to get an accurate map of your tooth using imaging technology.
• The shade of the crown may not be a perfect match for your natural tooth color.

It is important to speak to your dentist to determine if same-day crowns are an appropriate option. You may be better suited to a traditional or metal crown if your situation is more advanced or requires a stronger restoration. 

Same-Day Crown Procedure 

At Morris Dental Solutions, our process for same-day crowns is fast and straightforward. After a consultation to assess if you are a candidate for a dental crown, we will begin the process of creating your custom crown. If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear the dentist, we offer various relaxation options to ease your anxiety. Please let us know so we can accommodate you and make your appointment as comfortable as possible. 

First, the dentist will take digital impressions to create a 3D image of your mouth and teeth. The images are then used as a blueprint to design and craft your custom crown using advanced CAD/CAM software and the Planmecca Planmill milling machines. Our milling machine precisely cuts and shapes the crown from a block of porcelain.Once your custom crown is complete, the dentist will check the crown for accuracy before placing it in your mouth. The dentist will make sure that it fits correctly and looks natural. Finally, the crown will be bonded to your tooth with special cement and light-cured in place, giving you a beautiful smile!

Same-Day Dental Crown FAQs