What Is a Dental Crown and How Do Same-Day Crowns Work?

Ever feel like dentists speak a different language? That’s completely understandable because, in some ways, they do! A dental crown is a common way dentists repair cavities or broken teeth, but many people don’t know what a crown actually is. Although traditional crowns require two visits to complete, now you can get a same-day crown from a dentist in Keller that, just as the name implies, can repair your tooth in just one day. In this blog, you’ll find out what a crown is and how same-day crowns offer the same outstanding quality without the hassle of two separate visits! 

What Is a Dental Crown? 

A dental crown is a restoration that repairs a tooth that’s been severely damaged by a cavity or fracture. Also called a “cap,” a crown fits over the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, function and appearance. 

To prevent a dental crown from looking or feeling bulky, a dentist first preps the tooth by significantly reducing it in size. Before same-day crowns came along, a crown had to be created in a special dental lab, which usually takes about two weeks. That meant that patients would have to wear a temporary crown during that time and then return for a second visit to have their permanent crown cemented into place. With same-day crowns, that’s no longer necessary. 

How Do Same-Day Crowns Work?

Same-day crowns use CEREC technology (Chairside Economic Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics), which allows a dentist to custom-craft a dental crown right in their office while you wait. Here’s how it works:

• After numbing your tooth, a dentist will remove any damaged tooth structure and reduce your tooth in size. 
• Then, instead of taking traditional putty impressions, which are uncomfortable and messy, your teeth will be digitally scanned. These highly accurate and precise images are then loaded into a computer program that your dentist will use to design your crown.
• Next, the CEREC machine creates your new crown out of strong, durable ceramic that’s precisely matched to the shape, size and color of your existing teeth.
• Lastly, your new permanent crown will be cemented into place. The whole visit usually takes about two hours. 

The Advantages of Same-Day Crowns

In addition to saving you the hassle of two appointments, same-day crowns offer other benefits as well. They’re about the same price as traditional crowns and have the same long-term success rate, so they’ll last many years with basic maintenance. Since they’re made of ceramic, they also look great and won’t show any metal when you smile or laugh. 

With same-day crowns, you’ll get the high quality you deserve and the speed you want all at the same time!

About the Author 

Dr. Sheri McIntosh is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist in Keller who understands that her patients want quality and convenience at the same time. She’s thrilled to offer CEREC same-day crowns that provide beautiful, long-lasting results in just one appointment. If you have any questions about same-day crowns, she can be reached via her website appointment request form.