If you have had a traditional crown done in the past, you know that it is a multi-step process that can take days or even weeks to complete, first wearing a temporary and then getting the permanent crown. You now have choices that shorten and streamline the entire process of getting a crown on a tooth. You can have a crown completed in one day with everything done–prepping the tooth, having a mold done, creating the permanent crown, and having it placed on the tooth. The same-day crown has many advantages to the traditional method of having a crown fitted. It is both an expedient and a pain-free process.
We offer same-day crowns at Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry to correct damaged teeth you want to save. In this article, we describe the process of making same-day crowns and the advantages as compared to traditional crowns.
The Same-Day Crown Process
To begin the process, the dentist takes pictures of the damaged tooth using a small intraoral camera and computer-aided design to make a 3D image. Then, computer-aided manufacturing creates a ceramic crown that is custom-fitted to your tooth, all done in the dentist’s office. This process eliminates sending images to a dental lab to create the crown the traditional way, which can take weeks. The same-day crown involves a high-tech process with specialized equipment that provides custom crowns. These crowns give a better fit than traditional crowns due to the technology that is used.
Advantages of Same-Day Crowns
Saves Time
The traditional method of getting a crown takes at least two appointments. In the first appointment, the tooth is prepared for the crown, a mold is made, and a temporary crown is created. The second appointment is where the permanent crown is fitted. All of this can take hours away from work and other activities. With the same-day crown, you are only in the dentist’s office one time. When you leave, you are wearing your permanent crown.
Convenient
A same-day crown is convenient for a couple of reasons. First, you don’t have to make several appointments to the dentist. It is all done at one appointment. Additionally, you aren’t wearing a temporary crown for weeks while waiting for the permanent crown to come in from the dental lab. A temporary crown may not be the perfect fit and may be uncomfortable. You don’t have any of these inconveniences with a same-day crown.
Eliminates the Need for a Temporary Crown or Filling
With the same-day crown, there is no need for a temporary crown. This is a big benefit since you may not have a good fit with the temporary and, as a result, be uncomfortable while you are waiting for the permanent crown.
An Exact Fit
Same-day crowns are permanent crowns that are digitally measured by the 3D imaging system. The technology is precise in digitally scanning and milling so your crown fits perfectly on the first attempt. If it doesn’t fit, the technology makes it an easy process to tweak the crown to get the comfortable fit you want.
Doesn’t Require Dental Putty
No one likes the dental putty stage that is required to get manual dental impressions in the traditional crown process. With same-day crowns, the technology eliminates the need for dental putty.
Lifelike
The technology used to make same-day crowns creates a crown that is very much like your original tooth. The CAD/CAM system captures even the smallest crevices and shape variances in teeth. With traditional crowns, a physical impression makes a rough estimation of the tooth in creating the mold. The computerized system used with same-day crowns makes a more snug fit with a more lifelike appearance and feel.
More Comfortable
Same-day crowns are more comfortable because the technology provides a crown that is a snugger fit. Without the need for a temporary crown, you are more comfortable from day one.
Cost Effective
Traditional crowns and same-day crowns cost about the same. However, same-day crowns can be less expensive in the long run because they have a better fit. A better fit may cause a same-day crown to last longer than a traditional crown.
Schedule an Appointment Today for a Same-Day Crown in Cary or Holly Springs, NC
Our team of dental professionals at Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry is experienced and knowledgeable in using specialized technology for same-day crowns. We can help you decide if this is the method that works well for your dental needs. Call our Holly Springs dentist office at (919) 600-6262 and our Cary, NC dentist office at (919) 467-2203. Or, use our online form to schedule an appointment.