Same-day Crowns: Everything You Need to Know

A tooth that has been damaged due to decay or trauma sometimes needs to be “capped” in order to look like a natural strong tooth, to function properly and to fit comfortably in your mouth. This cap is usually a custom-made crown that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are often used as a cosmetic way to cover discolored or misshapen teeth and to improve the appearance of your smile as well.

In order to get a traditional dental crown procedure, you will need at least two appointments. Because a dental crown fabrication takes place in a dental laboratory, it usually takes at least a couple of weeks to have it made as well. Nowadays, however, there’s a much more convenient alternative to traditional crowns – same-day crowns that are made in the dental office of your family dentist in Albuquerque in just a few hours so you can get everything done within one appointment.

How do same-day crowns work?

The dental crown procedure for traditional and same-day crowns starts out the same way. First, the tooth needs to be prepared by removing any decay and shaping it so that it fits perfectly inside the crown. However, traditional and same-day crowns have only this first step in common. If you were getting a traditional one, you would need to take an impression of your teeth in order to construct a model on which to make the crown.

With same-day crowns, you won’t need an impression because a computer takes digital pictures inside your mouth and then generates an accurate 3D model of your teeth. While you wait, your crown will be designed and carved from a dental ceramic material that matches the color of your own teeth the most. Your dentist will verify if the crown needs any aesthetic enhancements and then will bond the crown to your tooth.

Can anyone get same-day crowns?

Most patients who are candidates for traditional, lab-fabricated dental crowns are also candidates for same-day crowns. Your dentist will examine your teeth and will advise what the best option for you is. In some cases, you might need to go for a convention crown. For example, if you need to replace a front tooth, appearance is a priority as it needs to look as natural as possible and blend in completely with the rest of your teeth. In such cases, your dentist might advise on getting a traditional crown because laboratory made ones offer more options for the material and color of your crown.

Another scenario in which you might need to skip the same-day crown is if you grind your teeth a lot during the day or while you sleep. If that is the case, you risk breaking your crown and it’s better that you choose a crown made from a gold alloy which is the most durable material used for crowns and is made in a lab. This material could prevent your tooth from breaking so it could be a better choice than getting a same-day ceramic crown.

It’s important to know everything about the advantages and disadvantages of same-day crowns so here’s our list of pros and cons that will help you make the decision. Pros of same-day crowns

• Quick fix

Your tooth replacement starts and finishes at the same appointment. There’s no need of multiple visits, temporary crowns or wait times. The entire process is completed in a couple of hours so it’s almost like a regular dental check-up.

• Less pain

Same-day crowns are perfect not only for people with a busy schedule but for someone with low pain tolerance, too. This innovative tooth restoration method doesn’t require as much local anesthetic and shots compared to the traditional crowns.

• High quality and great appearance

Computer designed crowns are made from high-quality materials that are metal-free, bio-compatible and plaque-resistant. They look natural and match your real teeth so you’re left with a beautiful smile you can be confident and comfortable with.

• Saves more healthy tooth structure

In a lot of cases, same-day crowns help to save more healthy tooth structure because the restoration can be used in place of a full crown.

• No need for temporary restoration

With the conventional method, you would have to wear a temporary restoration for a few weeks while the permanent crown was being made at the laboratory. With a same-day crown, you won’t need to worry about this and you walk out of your dentist’s office with the permanent thing. Cons of same-day crowns

• Less durable than traditional ones

Same-day crowns are made from a dental ceramic material that is not as strong as metal crowns. Metal crowns are more resistant to fracture and are harder to break or wear out. Traditional metal crowns can be made out of various alloys, the strongest being the gold alloy, and increase the resistance of the tooth they restore.

• Might be harder to fit

Same-day crowns may not fit as good as traditional ones if there’s a fracture below the gum line. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth and gum and give you recommendations about your individual case.

How to take care of your same-day crowns?

Your crowns require the same dental care as your natural teeth. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly twice a day to reduce any build-up plaque. This is even more important when you have crowns in order to maintain good oral hygiene, protect your teeth and crowns’ condition and tooth decay. If you have crowns, avoid using your teeth as tools, for example for opening packages. You might want to invest in a nightguard too if you have a habit of grinding your teeth while you sleep.

If you take good care of your same-day crowns and of your overall health in general, they will last you for years. Strictly follow your dentist’s orders after having any dental procedure to have the best results possible and to be left with a health investment you will be grateful for in years to come.