At Smith Haven Dental, we love seeing our patients smile, both literally and figuratively. One of the most common questions we hear in our cozy chair-side chats is about same-day crowns. Worries about dental crowns can keep our patients from getting the care they need, meaning fewer smiles in the future. Maybe you’ve heard about them and wondered if they’re too good to be true.
To clear up confusion and help you finally treat that achy tooth, here are the top five questions our patients ask about same-day crowns (and the answers you’ll want to know).
1. How Does the Process Actually Work in One Visit?
Here’s the fun part: with our in-office 3D imaging and milling technology, we can scan your tooth, design your crown, and mill it while you wait. That means no multiple appointments, no temporary crowns, and more time for the things you actually enjoy.
Same-day crowns rely on digital technology that makes the entire process faster and more precise.
- We use an intraoral scanner to create a detailed 3D image of your tooth.
- Using computer-aided design (CAD), we shape your crown to fit your tooth and bite.
- The crown is milled right in our office using a block of high-quality ceramic.
This means everything, from scanning to placement, happens in one visit with our Lake Grove dentist. You leave with a permanent crown, not a temporary one.
2. Is a Same-Day Crown as Strong as a Traditional One?
Yes! Modern same-day crowns are made from advanced ceramic materials that are extremely durable. They’re designed to withstand the normal pressures of chewing and biting. In fact, studies show that well-made ceramic crowns can fit just as well as traditional lab-fabricated crowns.
Longevity does depend on care. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits to our Lake Grove dentist, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth will help your crown last. Many patients find their same-day crowns last a decade or more when properly cared for, making them a reliable long-term solution.
3. Does a CEREC Crown Hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Your tooth is numbed with local anesthesia, and the process of scanning and milling the crown is entirely painless. Smith Haven Dental also offers nitrous oxide sedation if you’re nervous.
After placement, you might notice mild sensitivity for a few days, especially when biting down or eating hot and cold foods. We always recommend following a few post-procedure tips: avoid extremely hard foods for the first 24 hours, and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean around the crown.
4. How Long Does a Same-Day Dental Crown Take?
From start to finish, same-day crown appointments typically take 2 to 3 hours. That’s for scanning, designing, milling, and final placement. Compared to traditional crowns, which require at least two visits over several weeks, this is a huge time-saver.
It also reduces the chance of complications that can arise with temporary crowns, like shifting or irritation. You walk into our Lake Grove dentist with a damaged or weakened tooth and walk out with a fully restored, durable crown, all in a single appointment. For busy schedules, this efficiency is a real game-changer.
5. Do Same-Day Tooth Crowns Look Natural?
Absolutely. One of the major advantages of same-day crowns is the precision and customization. The digital design allows us to match the color, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth. This results in a crown that is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
We take the time to get the right fit, and we make sure the tooth looks natural from every angle. For patients concerned about aesthetics, especially for front teeth, same-day crowns offer both beauty and functionality. Once placed, they blend seamlessly, letting you smile with confidence without anyone guessing you’ve had dental work done.
Skip the Wait and Save Your Smile with Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns make it easier than ever to get the smile you deserve, without all the waiting. Stop by Smith Haven Dental, and let’s see how quickly we can make your tooth feel (and look) brand new. Book your one-day crown appointment today and experience this revolutionary process for yourself!