Advantages Same-Day Crowns

So, you need a new (or replacement) crown. There are many reasons your dentist may need to install a crown. Perhaps your tooth was broken or cracked. Maybe you had a large cavity removed. If the top of your tooth can no longer handle the force of normal chewing action, you may need a crown.

In order for a crown to be placed, your tooth needs to be prepared. You may require a root canal, along with other adjustments so the crown can go on properly. A temporary crown will be installed after a mold or photo has been taken so the permanent crown can be made. In general, the crown will take two to three weeks to be made. After your visit for all those other procedures to prepare your tooth, you will need to return to your dentist for another visit to have the permanent crown installed.

What if you didn't have to wait? What if you could get everything done in one visit? At Dr. Lance Ogata's office, we offer CEREC same-day crowns. Keep reading to learn more about the process of getting a crown and how same-day crowns can make the process easier.

Crown Basics

Simply put, a crown is a cap fitted over a damaged tooth to protect the tooth underneath. They are designed to withstand normal wear and tear. They can also help the appearance of your tooth.

Here are a few reasons Dr. Lance Ogata might suggest a crown:

  • You have a broken/cracked tooth
  • You have a large cavity in your tooth
  • You have a weak tooth that needs strengthening
  • You have a worn-down tooth
  • You have a severely discolored tooth
  • You've had a root canal
  • To cover a dental implant
  • To hold a dental bridge in place

There is more than one type of dental crown. A traditional crown covers your entire tooth. Onlays or ¾ crowns can partially cover a tooth that is otherwise in good shape. Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, including ceramics, metals, resin, and porcelain. The material chosen for your crown depends on the location of the tooth, the gum area surrounding the tooth, and/or the color of the teeth around the damaged tooth.

Preparing the Tooth

There's a process to preparing a tooth for a crown. First, x-rays will be made of your damaged tooth or teeth and the nearby area. It's possible a root canal may be necessary before moving forward. This is especially true if there's tooth decay, a tooth infection, or if there has been an injury to the tooth's pulp—the soft tissue where nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue are located. Next, your dentist will file the tooth's top and sides down to make room for the crown. If there is not enough tooth area for the crown to be securely placed, you may need to go for some crown lengthening. In this procedure, gum tissue is recontoured to expose more of the tooth that will take the crown.

Once the tooth is properly prepared, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth (and the surrounding teeth) with paste or putty. This impression will be used to create the crown. A temporary crown will be placed on your tooth if the crown isn't being installed on the same day as the prep. When the crown is ready (whether it's done at a lab or right there in your dentist's office), cement will situate it securely onto your teeth. Your dentist may need to do some adjustments to make sure your bite is right, then you should be good to go.

A Same-Day Crown

At Dr. Lance Ogata's office, CEREC same-day crowns are available. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This tool can make crowns, veneers, inlays, or onlays in less than an hour. Traditionally, a crown being made at an outside lab can take weeks to be completed. However, Dr. Ogata invested in CEREC technology to reduce the length of time patients must wait for dental appliances.

Before beginning the process of repairing your tooth with a CEREC same-day crown, an evaluation will determine if you are a good candidate. If a traditional crown would work to repair the damage to your tooth, it's likely that a CEREC same-day crown could also do the trick. Here's how it works. Dr. Ogata uses a specialized intraoral camera to view the entire area surrounding the affected tooth, creating a 3D image. Once he's satisfied that the 3D image is a good representation of your tooth, he presses "send." Computer software and a milling component then work together to cut the ceramic restoration needed so it's a perfect match for your mouth. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.

Dr. Ogata can customize the restoration further by painting and polishing it until it matches your teeth. A crown made using CEREC technology is attached to your tooth in the same manner as a traditional crown, with cement holding it in place. CEREC same-day crowns are both beautiful and durable.

There are numerous advantages to opting for a CEREC same-day crown. These include:

  • Damaged teeth can be covered quickly
  • Crowns are natural in appearance
  • No need for a temporary crown
  • Only one visit needed: reduced waiting time and same-day results
  • No need to go through the process of a messy, uncomfortable impression with a paste or putty

CEREC crowns are made using ceramic. If you would prefer a crown made from another material, such as metal or porcelain, you will need to go the more traditional route. Taking proper care of a CEREC crown through daily brushing and flossing routines will help the CEREC crown last longer and keep your smile bright for years to come.

Are CEREC Same-Day Crowns for You?

If you are in need of a dental crown, CEREC same-day crowns might be just the ticket, saving you time and fixing any issues promptly. Book an appointment today, and Dr. Ogata will be happy to visit with you to determine if you are a good candidate for a CEREC same-day crown.