Table of Contents

• What are Same-Day Dental Crowns and Who Is a Good Candidate?
• Step 1: Examining and Digitally Scanning Your Damaged Tooth
• Step 2: Designing and Creating Your Custom Crown in the Office
• Step 3: Placing and Adjusting Your New Crown for a Natural Fit
• What to Expect After Your Same-Day Crown Appointment
• Protect Your Smile in One Day By Partnering with Mills River Family Dental

Dental crowns are an essential dental prosthetic, used to protect otherwise vulnerable teeth from severe, lasting damage. With custom dental crowns, you can protect your tooth from long-term damage while maintaining the appearance of your smile. However, some dental offices may need up to two weeks to have the crown made.

This can be incredibly difficult for some patients. Thankfully, many modern dental offices offer same-day dental crowns to help you protect your smile without compromising on its appearance. But what exactly goes into a same-day dental crown appointment and is it the right choice for protecting your smile against major damage? 

In this blog, we’ll discuss what same-day dental crowns are, who is considered a good candidate for this service, and what you can expect during your upcoming visit. 

What are Same-Day Dental Crowns and Who Is a Good Candidate?

Same-day dental crowns are incredibly similar to their traditional counterparts. However, these prosthetic devices are made in your dental team’s office, and are available for insertion within a few hours of your initial exam. Much like traditional crowns, these crowns are also designed using high-quality materials that can withstand up to two decades of use. 

While same-day dental crowns may be incredibly appealing to you, they aren’t necessarily the best solution for every patient. If you have a sufficient tooth structure, are dealing  with minor chips, cracks, or decay, and follow a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, your dental team may recommend this faster treatment option. 

However, individuals who have deep cracks or breaks that extend beneath the gumline, same-day crowns may not be right for you. Additionally, individuals who are actively dealing with severe bruxism (teeth grinding) may need to talk to their dental team about using a much stronger, more durable material than is available in the office. 

Step 1: Examining and Digitally Scanning Your Damaged Tooth

Same-day dental crown appointments are designed to be much more convenient for patients, especially those with busy work or life schedules. But what do these appointments look like? All same-day dental crown appointments begin with a physical exam of the damage and digital scanning of your tooth to ensure an adequate replacement is prepared.

Once your dental team has taken scans of your tooth, they will numb the affected area and begin treating the damage. Your dentist will carefully remove any decay and gently shape the natural tooth to support the new crown. They will work slowly during this process, ensuring only the damaged layers of your tooth are ground away. 

Many traditional crowns require more significant tooth removal. Conversely, same-day crowns do not require as much of your natural tooth to be removed, preserving much of the underlying structure. After this is complete, your dentist may need to take an impression of the tooth to ensure your new crown fits snugly and comfortably over it. 

Step 2: Designing and Creating Your Custom Crown in the Office

When your dentist is done preparing your tooth for your same-day crown, they will begin working on the design of the prosthetic. The digital measurements that were taken by your dental team will be sent to the machine, which will begin crafting your new prosthetic. Your crown will be made using high-quality ceramic, zirconia, porcelain, or composite resin. 

You don’t need to worry about your new crown standing out from the surrounding teeth. Your dental team will work hard to find the ideal material to match your natural teeth, providing you with a seamless appearance. The crafting process generally takes about 15 minutes to complete, allowing your team to move into the next step of the placement process. 

Step 3: Placing and Adjusting Your New Crown for a Natural Fit

Once your same-day dental crowns are complete, your team will begin the fitting process. While the machine uses digital measurements, your initial dental crown should fit comfortably into your mouth. However, your dentist may need to make  slight adjustments to the crown to ensure it fits into your mouth without compromising the surrounding teeth. 

Additionally, your dental team may need to tint the tooth to better match your natural teeth. These adjustments shouldn’t take too long to complete. However, this is a crucial part of the insertion process. With these adjustments, you can trust that your new crown will fit comfortably into your mouth, allowing for regular eating, drinking, speaking, and more. 

What to Expect After Your Same-Day Crown Appointment

After your same-day dental crowns are placed, you want to ensure you’re taking proper care of them. Much like traditional crowns, same-day dental crowns require appropriate care to ensure they last for their expected lifespan. In the immediate hour after your crown placement, you may still be numb from the preparatory work.

The tissue surrounding the tooth may also be sensitive. As you adjust to your crowns, you may also notice increased sensitivity. An important part of the healing process is to avoid eating hard or sticky foods in the first 24 hours after placement. While it is incredibly strong, the adhesive used for your same-day dental crowns may be damaged when eating this food. 

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and eggs as you recover. Additionally, don’t forget to follow a strict oral hygiene routine. Much like your natural teeth, same-day dental crowns require proper brushing and flossing, so don’t skip this step in your routine if you want to keep them in good condition.

If you notice any bite problems or worsening pain, it is essential that you reach out to your dental team for professional support. Problems like a bite that feels uneven or is too high can be adjusted by your dental team. With their support, you can ensure the appropriate adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable bite. 

Protect Your Smile in One Day By Partnering with Mills River Family Dental

Same-day dental crowns have revolutionized dental prosthesis, allowing you to protect your smile while maintaining the appearance of your smile. But, you also want to ensure you’re working with a reliable dental team during this appointment. If you are looking for a reliable dental team in the Mills River, NC, area, turn to our team at Mills River Family Dental. We’ve provided comprehensive dental care to patients across the city and beyond since 2003. With over two decades of experience, we’re confident that we have the training, tools, and experience to help you protect and restore your smile in as little  as one day.

If you would like to learn more about our same-day dental crowns or are ready to schedule an appointment with our team, contact our team to schedule an appointment with us today.