Gone are the days when getting dental crowns took two, three, or even four visits to the dentist’s office. Thanks to modern technology, patients can now walk in with a damaged or compromised tooth and walk out with a beautiful crown just 1 – 2 hours later. At River Park Dental, top Dublin, OH dentist Dr. Phing Saurer helps men and women near Dublin, Hilliard, and Worthington, OH create or restore a natural, healthier, stronger smile they can feel proud of with same-day crowns. Here, we’ll discuss what you can expect with same-day crowns, including how closely your new crown will match the rest of your teeth.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a “cap” or shell that fits over the surfaces of the tooth to conceal imperfections and/or protect a mildly compromised tooth from further damage. Some of the most common dental issues that lead patients to consider cosmetic or restorative dental crowns include:

  • Chipped tooth
  • Cracked tooth
  • Tooth decay
  • Tooth erosion
  • Weakened tooth
  • Discolored tooth

Patients whose concerns are primarily cosmetic, such as a chipped or dull tooth, may have their crowns placed in a single visit. For patients with more compelling dental issues, like tooth decay or endodontic problems, Dr. Saurer will recommend a treatment plan to first restore their oral health and then have their crowns placed in a subsequent visit.

How do same-day crowns work?

Traditionally, getting dental crowns involved a minimum of two office visits. During the first appointment, the tooth would be prepared, and dental impressions would be made. These impressions would be sent to an off-site lab, where a custom restoration – or crown – would be manufactured. The patient would then return for a second visit to have the crown seated.

With same-day crowns, patients can have crowns placed in a single appointment. Rather than using impressions and a remote lab, same-day crowns are created using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology right in our own lab, allowing patients to have their smiles restored within about 1 – 2 hours. Custom inlays, bridges, and other more extensive restorations can also be created the same day with this process, though the appointment may take slightly longer than a single-crown appointment would.

Are same-day crowns as good as regular crowns?

While it may sound too good to be true, same-day crowns offer exceptional strength and durability. In fact, same-day crowns can last up to 10 – 15 years when properly cared for.

Will same-day crowns look natural?

Absolutely. Consider the process of lab-created crowns, which relies on a dental impression created with a paste-like substance. Any number of factors – including slight movements, human error, or extra saliva in the mouth – can compromise the accuracy of the impression and, ultimately, the look and feel of the crown. With the precision of CAM and CAD technologies, same-day crowns often look even more natural than lab crowns. To help ensure the most natural look and comfortable fit possible, Dr. Saurer will make subtle adjustments to the crown once it has been placed in the patient’s mouth. For many patients frustrated by cosmetic or functional dental concerns, the convenience, durability, and natural appearance of same-day crowns can be life-changing.

Cut out the waiting time with same-day crowns in Dublin, OH

If you are ready to restore your smile but don’t want to make multiple trips to the dentist, you may be excited to learn more about same-day crowns. Take the first step toward the smile of your dreams in a single visit by calling River Park Dental to schedule your one-on-one consultation for same-day crowns in Dublin, OH with Dr. Phing Saurer today.