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Gone are the days of waiting weeks for a dental crown. Thanks to modern technology, you can walk into your dentist’s office and leave the same day with a fully restored tooth. But how does this magic happen? Let’s dive into the process of receiving a same-day crown, step by step.

What Is a Same-Day Crown?

A same-day crown is a custom-made dental cap that restores a damaged tooth’s shape, size, and function. Unlike traditional crowns requiring multiple visits and temporary restorations, same-day crowns are crafted and placed in a single appointment. This is made possible by advanced CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) technology.

Why Would You Need a Crown?

Crowns are typically recommended for the following situations:

• Protecting a weak or cracked tooth
• Restoring a broken or severely worn tooth
• Covering a tooth with a large filling or after root canal treatment
• Improving the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth

Now that you know why you might need a crown, let’s walk through the process.

The Same-Day Crown Process

1. Initial Examination and Preparation

Your dentist will examine your tooth to ensure a crown is the best solution. They’ll discuss your options and explain the procedure. Once you’re ready to proceed, the dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any decay or damaged areas. This creates enough space for the crown to fit comfortably over the tooth.

2. Digital Impressions

Say goodbye to messy molds! With same-day crowns, your dentist uses a small handheld scanner to take a 3D digital impression of your prepared tooth. This process is quick, comfortable, and highly accurate.

3. Designing Your Crown

The 3D impression is sent to a computer, where your dentist uses specialized software to design your custom crown. They’ll ensure the shape, size, and color match your natural teeth for a seamless look. You might even get to watch the design process unfold!

4. Milling the Crown

Once the design is complete, the digital file is sent to an in-office milling machine. This machine carves your crown from a block of high-quality ceramic material. The milling process usually takes about 20–30 minutes, and you can relax while your crown is crafted.

5. Fitting and Placement

After the milling, your dentist will try the crown on your tooth to ensure a perfect fit. Any necessary adjustments are made on the spot. Once everything looks and feels right, dental cement permanently bonds the crown to your tooth.

6. Final Touches and Bite Check

Your dentist will polish the crown and check your bite to ensure it aligns comfortably with the rest of your teeth. If everything feels good, you’re ready to go—with your same-day crown firmly in place!

Final Thoughts

Same-day crowns are a game-changer in modern dentistry, offering a fast, convenient, and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth. If you need a crown but dread the hassle of multiple visits, ask your dentist about same-day crowns. Your smile will be back to its best in no time!

Crowns are typically associated with royalty, but those crowns go on your head, not your teeth. Dental crowns are slightly different, fitting over decayed or broken teeth to restore bright, beautiful smiles. Commonly custom-made, dental crowns act as caps, protecting remaining teeth and gums from periodontal disease, dental illnesses, and inflammation that could erode or deteriorate enamel. Crowns are restorative and transformative, bringing strength back to your teeth alongside a brilliant reason to grin.

There are various kinds of dental crowns, each with its benefits, so choosing is based on personal preference and the advice of a dental professional. Think of this blog as a brief guide into dental crowns, showcase types, procedures, and aftercare.

The Royal Treatment for Your Teeth: What Are Crowns?

Decayed or damaged teeth can hinder everyday functions, like eating and talking. In some cases, teeth are left sensitive, and the pain makes it even harder for someone to do daily activities. However, dental crowns are versatile and effective restoration methods, covering a tooth’s wear and tear to prevent further damage. The bonus? Crowns give you back a gorgeous, natural-looking smile.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

Teeth decay and deteriorate for various reasons; not every reason is within your control. Fortunately, the choice to get them fixed is within your power, and crowns are a restorative method to enhance enamel strength and protect remaining teeth from further damage. As you age, teeth become more fragile, becoming susceptible to chips, cracks, and breaks. With dental crowns, you have additional support and strength surrounding your teeth, making it easier to do everyday things, like enjoying your favorite meal.

Types of Dental Crowns: An Overview

• Porcelain Crowns

Popular for their natural appearance, porcelain crowns are slightly more expensive than other material types, but their construction is seamless, allowing them to blend with other teeth naturally. They are ideal for front teeth.

• Ceramic Crowns

Strong, metal-free ceramic crowns match the strength and color of natural teeth. They are best for people with metal allergies, especially on the back molars.

• Metal Crowns

Durable and strong metal crowns withstand wear and tear that might otherwise damage natural teeth. However, their metallic color makes them less aesthetic.

• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

These dental crowns combine metal strength with porcelain aesthetics, lending teeth a natural look. However, metal may show near the gums, creating a visible dark line.

• Resin Crowns

Resin is the most affordable dental crown option. It matches teeth’s natural color and strength, making them as durable as natural teeth. However, if bite pressure is too hard, occasional fractures could occur.

• Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are the strongest crown material on the market and are biocompatible, making them ideal for people with sensitivities. They look natural and can be customized to match the color of a patient’s teeth.

• Temporary Crowns

Temporary dental crowns protect teeth temporarily to maintain structure and prevent damage. However, they are not as durable as long-term crowns and must be replaced to retain the integrity of the teeth underneath.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Dental crown procedures begin with a consultation to determine oral health without crowns. Affected teeth are prepared by removing decay and reshaping the tooth for a cap. Impressions or digital scans are taken of the reshaped and prepared teeth, and temporary crowns are fitted until permanent crowns are completed or alternatively the permanent crowns are made in office while the patient waits.  Foutz Family Dental has this capability.  The permanent dental crowns are fitted for comfort and cemented or bonded to prevent the crown from moving or falling out.

Aftercare for a dental crown is simple. Good oral hygiene is essential, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Routine dental checkups will ensure longevity and good oral health, so contact Foutz Family Dentistry for a consultation!