Huntersville, NC Same-Day Dental Crowns
The Smile Architects offers dental crowns for patients in the Huntersville, NC area. Give our office a call at 704-875-1621 to ask questions or set up a visit.
Same-day crowns are also available at The Smile Architects in Huntersville, NC. Dial 704-875-1621 to learn more or reserve your appointment time.
A dental crown is typically recommended when a tooth has more decay or damage than a filling, inlay, or onlay can address. The affected portions of the tooth are removed, and the remaining structure is then protected with a crown.
Traditional crown placement often called for two separate visits, one to shape the tooth and a later visit, sometimes weeks afterward, to seat the finished restoration. With CEREC technology, the crown is designed and milled right in the office, so preparing the tooth and bonding the permanent crown can typically happen in a single appointment lasting about two hours.
How a Same-Day Crown Appointment Works
A same-day crown visit typically begins with digital scans of the teeth using CEREC technology. These scans help the dental team design a restoration that matches the size and shape of the natural tooth.
The tooth is then prepared by removing areas of decay or damage. A second scan is taken so the crown can be shaped to fit the contours of the prepared tooth precisely. CEREC computer-aided design (CAD) technology is used to design the restoration, and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology mills the crown from a block of ceramic before it is bonded permanently in place.
Same-day crowns can offer many of the same benefits as traditional crowns, typically without the extra appointments or waiting period that traditional crowns may involve. They are designed to be durable, natural-looking, and long-lasting.
Common Questions About Same-Day Crowns
How long can a CEREC crown last?
A CEREC crown typically lasts around 10 to 15 years, and with consistent care, some same-day crowns may last as long as 30 years. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting the dentist every six months can help support a longer lifespan.
Do same-day crowns cost more than traditional crowns?
Cost often depends on which specific crown materials are being compared, since traditional crowns are available in a range of materials at different price points. In many cases, same-day crowns are priced similarly to traditional crowns.
What material is used to make a same-day crown?
Same-day crowns are milled from a solid block of ceramic material that is chosen to match the shade of the natural tooth.
Can CEREC crowns be placed on molars?
Yes, CEREC crowns are generally strong and durable enough to be suitable for molars. Patients who clench their jaw or grind their teeth (bruxism) may need a harder ceramic material for added durability.
Are same-day crowns a better option?
Every patient’s needs are different, but same-day crowns are often a good option for many patients. Beyond the convenience of a single appointment, same-day crowns can help patients avoid wearing a temporary crown while the permanent one is made. Temporary crowns can sometimes come loose, may put a tooth at risk of fracture, and can leave the prepared tooth more vulnerable to decay or gum irritation while worn.