Have you started hiding a misshapen or discolored tooth behind closed lips when you smile? Perhaps you have a chipped or broken tooth that’s affecting your oral health. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about getting a same-day crown.
A dental crown can restore your smile, protect weakened enamel, and cosmetically enhance your teeth. What’s involved with a crown-in-one-day procedure? Read on to find out!
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
It’s important to recognize when you need a dental crown. Otherwise, complications can develop and threaten your oral health.
According to the American Dental Association, a crown can strengthen a tooth if you have a large filling but not enough tooth to hold it. Dentists often recommend dental crowns to:
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Make a cosmetic modification
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a misshapen tooth
- Conceal a severely discolored tooth
- Restore an already broken tooth
- Protect a weak tooth
Rush to your local dentist if you have a fever, headache, tooth pain, swollen gums, or sensitivity. Neglecting to seek treatment could lead to decay. You could lose a tooth!
If an infection develops, it could travel through your bloodstream and threaten your overall health. A tooth abscess or blood infection can increase your risk of sepsis (a life-threatening infection). Your immune system will weaken if you delay seeking treatment.
A same-day crown will replicate the feel and look of your natural, protective tooth enamel. Your dentist can place the prosthetic cap over your problematic tooth. Treatment will protect the tooth while improving its functionality and appearance.
A typical dental crown procedure will require more than one appointment. With a same-day crown, you can save time and receive immediate treatment.
Same-Day Crown Appointment
Schedule a consultation session at your local dentist’s office to discuss your upcoming crown appointment. During this appointment, they’ll assess your tooth to determine your cosmetic or restorative dentistry needs. If they determine you need a dental crown, you could complete your crown appointment that same day.
Your dentist will answer your questions beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with the procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment.
Creating the Crown
After assessing your needs, your dentist will take a digital scan of your mouth. They’ll use 3D CEREC technology to get an accurate picture of the tooth. The intraoral camera (designed to fit within your mouth) will capture exact images of the treatment area.
Don’t worry. This process is safe, fast, and painless.
Your dentist will use these scans to give you a preview of the final result. You can determine if a crown will meet your needs and expectations.
Prepping the Tooth
You can relax in the waiting room while you wait for the CEREC milling machine to create your crown. The machine will construct your crown using a ceramic block. All of this technology is located in your dentist’s practice.
A ceramic crown will have a natural color designed to match your existing teeth. Ceramic can resist plaque, protecting your tooth from decay. It’s also anti-abrasive.
Your dentist may need to make a few minor adjustments to ensure the crown fits properly. However, this process won’t take long. Usually, it takes 15 minutes to create a same-day crown.
Once the crown is ready, your dentist will need to prepare your tooth. Your dentist may need to remove a small amount of your natural enamel. Removing the enamel will help the crown bond to your tooth.
This step gives your dentist the chance to remove any decayed portions. Slimming the tooth will create space, ensuring the crown will fit well.
Don’t worry; your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area first. The process is painless.
Bonding
Your dentist will fit the crown to your tooth. They’ll polish the crown to ensure it fits.
The entire process of designing, constructing, and fitting your crown will take about two hours.
The local anesthetic will wear off within a few hours after your treatment. However, you may need a few days to adjust to the sensation of having a crown in place. After a while, you won’t notice it’s there.
Benefits of a Crown in One Day
Receiving a crown in one day can save you valuable time. With traditional crowns, your dentist will assess your needs before giving you a temporary crown. You’ll need to return later, after your crown is created, to have it bonded to your tooth.
With same-day crowns, there’s no hassle. You can schedule your digital impression and bonding on the same day. You’ll wake out of your dentist’s office with your chipped or damaged tooth repaired!
Dental crowns are made from high-quality materials. The durable ceramic will allow you to avoid having metal in your mouth.
Ceramic is made from the same properties as naturally occurring tooth enamel. It won’t irritate your teeth or gums. You can learn more about the pros and cons of porcelain crowns here.
How long does a dental crown last? With proper care, your dental crown can last between five to 15 years. Proper care includes:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing once a day
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewing foods
- Not grinding or clenching your teeth
- Wearing a custom night guard
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings
You should schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice a loose crown or cracks in your crown. Consult your dentist if you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. These symptoms could also indicate there’s an issue with your crown.
Schedule a Same-Day Crown Procedure
Don’t let a damaged tooth affect your quality of life, appearance, or health. Instead, talk to your dentist about getting a same-day crown. This procedure can improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth within one appointment!
Albee Family Dental is dedicated to providing high-quality family and cosmetic dentistry. We have over 20 years of industry experience helping patients like you restore their smiles.
We ensure comfort and satisfaction by offering individualized, focused care. Contact us today to discuss your needs or schedule your same-day crown appointment!
