What are same-day dental crowns?

Same-day crowns (also known as a single visit crown) are created through an in-office process using computerized technology. After the tooth preparation, the dentist uses a computer (known as a CAD/CAM system) to create a customized digital impression of the mouth. Then, the impression is sent off to an in-office milling machine that carves a crown out of a block of ceramic. Under two hours and in just one appointment, your crown restoration will be completed. The cost of the same-day crown is almost the same as the cost of traditional crowns and no need for a temporary crown as in the traditional crown procedures.

A top disadvantage of same-day crowns vs traditional crowns is that same-day crowns tend to be less strong and are more subject to wear and tear. This is because a CEREC crown is made of ceramic and is less durable than a crown made of metal or porcelain. While the same-day crowns look natural and fit the teeth well, you may have to spend more time getting a custom shade that pleases you.

Same-day crowns are not appropriate for all patients. For example, If the tooth is broken below the gum line, a dentist may experience problems using the imaging camera to get a good map of your tooth.