All About Same Day Dental Crowns

Thanks to advances in dental technology, it is now possible to have a crown made and placed in your mouth in a single day. This technology, known as CEREC same day crowns, relies on CAD. CAD is an acronym that stands for computer aided design. Here is a quick look at everything patients need to know about same day dental crowns.

Same Day Crown Creation

CAD technology rapidly generates crowns with the use of a specialized camera and other tools. The camera takes a picture of the compromised tooth that is transferred to a computer screen. At this point, the CAD technology is used for the restoration's design while the patient waits. The new crown is bonded to the old tooth's surface after the restoration design is complete. All in all, the entire process takes as long as a few hours or even as little as a single hour. Opt for same day crowns and you won't have to head back to the dentist's office for several appointments as was the case prior to the use of same day crown technology. You can wait in the dentist's office while your same day crown is made and subsequently added to your mouth. This convenience is a large part of the reason why same day crowns are quickly replacing traditional crowns.

In most cases, dentists with CEREC technology recommend same day crowns in situations that would have otherwise called for a traditional ceramic crown. For the most part, same day crowns are used to safeguard teeth that have endured considerable damage, whether it is from extensive decay, an injury or a procedure such as a root canal. The only situation in which the dentist might recommend a traditional crown instead of a CEREC crown is if an alloy dental appliance is necessary as opposed to a ceramic one.

There is no Need for a Temporary Crown

Patients and dentists alike far and wide favor same day crowns as there is no need to place a temporary crown on the tooth. The permanent crown is put in position on the first visit. This is a major advantage over traditional crowns as some temporary crowns do not fit properly. Though temporary crowns are not worn for an extended period of time, there is no sense fussing with them when you have the option of using a same day crown.

Same Day Crown Material

Same day crowns are made from a strong and thick porcelain block. Porcelain is used as it has superior durability. The same day crown is shaped just like a regular tooth yet is hollow to encase the damaged or otherwise compromised tooth. Furthermore, porcelain crowns look like regular teeth. Once your same day crown is in your mouth, it will blend right in with your other teeth, creating a lovely smile with visual uniformity.

Same Day Crowns Stand the Test of Time

If you are hesitant to have a same day crown added to your mouth, there is no reason to worry. Do not assume this convenient crown will have a short lifespan simply because it is comparably convenient. If you take proper care of the crown and exercise caution, the crown will likely serve you well for a decade or even longer.

Same Day Crowns are Comfortable

The process required to place a same day crown is significantly more comfortable than conventional methods. The dentist shapes the tooth in order for the crown to be placed. Decay and other damaged parts are removed. If necessary, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic in order to numb the tooth and keep you completely comfortable throughout the crown placement. All you have to do is sit back, relax and let the dentist get to work. In fact, the addition of a same day crown to your mouth is so painless that you will hardly even notice the procedure as it is being performed. There is no need for sticky putty or those annoying impression trays as the dentist takes impressions with a digital instrument about the size of a pen. You can remain in the dental chair as the CEREC milling machine makes the new crown from the porcelain block. If desired, you can even watch the crown as it is made.

A Look at the Same Day Crown Milling Machine

The dentist uses computer aided design software to tell the milling machine how to construct the same day crown to suit your unique mouth. The milling machine then creates the crown in about 15 – 20 minutes. The dentist performs final shading, polishing and bonds the crown over the tooth. In most cases, same day crowns are a flawless fit and require minimal, if any, adjustment.

You Have the Power to Extend the Lifespan of Your Same Day Crown

Take proper care of your same day crown and it will serve you well in the decade to come. All you have to do is visit with our dentist at least once every six months and abide by a daily routine of flossing and brushing. Though same day crowns do not decay, there is the potential for them to chip or possibly loosen. Therefore, it is prudent to avoid chewing on especially hard objects such as ice or using your teeth to open things.

If the dentist states you grind or clench your teeth, wear a mouth guard to prevent the crown from chipping or fracturing. It will also help to keep the crown's margins free of all tartar and plaque to prevent the onset of periodontal disease. However, there is only so much you can do to stop plaque form forming; you need the assistance of our experienced dentist to perform the thorough cleaning of your teeth that is simply not possible with a regular toothbrush and floss.

Schedule an Appointment at Smile Hawaii

If you are even slightly interested in dental crowns or have not had your teeth cleaned/examined in more than six months, give our team a call. You can contact our practice by dialing (808) 877-8090. Give us a call today to find out more about same day dental crowns and schedule an appointment.