How do Same Day Crowns Work?
Getting a dental crown used to require at least two dental appointments. The first appointment involved preparing a tooth to receive a crown, taking dental impressions, and fitting a patient with a temporary, plastic dental crown before sending their specifications to a dental laboratory for a permanent crown to be manufactured. The patient, then, would not receive their permanent dental crown until it had been manufactured and a second dental appointment had been scheduled.
Today, advanced digital imaging and same-day CEREC crown technology have made it possible for patients to receive permanent dental crowns with just a single visit to the dentist.
A dental crown is a hollow, tooth-shaped prosthetic dental appliance that is designed to fit over and cover the entire visible portion of a tooth (the portion above the gum line). Dental crowns are typically made from porcelain and are colored to blend in with the patient's surrounding teeth.
Dental crowns are typically used to restore, protect, and strengthen a tooth that has been severely compromised due to disease, decay, or injury. Dental crowns can be used for severe cavity repair, saving a tooth after a root canal procedure, or to protect and repair a tooth that has been chipped or broken.
They are also used to cover up old, silver amalgam fillings that have been compromised. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes such as masking permanent discoloration or correcting the size or shape of an abnormal tooth.
How Do Same-Day Dental Crowns Work? The Same-Day Dental Crown Process
The first step in the same-day dental crown process is preparing the tooth for treatment. In order for a crown to be placed and fit comfortably over a tooth, the natural tooth must be shaved down to accommodate the crown. In addition to removing a portion of the outer layer of the tooth, the dentist will also ensure that any areas of decay or bacteria have been removed and thoroughly sterilized.
During this step, our dentist uses local anesthetics to ensure the patient experiences no pain or discomfort during treatment.
Once the tooth has been prepared, we then use our digital scanner to capture high-definition, three-dimensional impressions of the patient's teeth. These images are uploaded into our CEREC software and used to create custom-designed specifications for the patient's dental crown.
We upload the patient's digital impressions into our computer-aided design software to create a digital model and design of the patient's new dental crown. The custom dental crown design ensures a secure fit over the tooth being treated, a comfortable match with the neighboring teeth, and a comfortable bite.
Our precision milling machine features a diamond bur and disc, and it uses computer-aided manufacturing technology. The milling machine translates the digital dental crown design into a real-life, ceramic dental crown designed to fit perfectly and dyed to blend into the patient's smile seamlessly.
While the patient waits comfortably in the dental chair, we can design and create their permanent dental restoration in just minutes.
Once the dental crown is ready to be placed, our dentist ensures the patient's tooth is clean and dry before affixing the dental crown using permanent dental cement. We then have the patient bite down and make any finishing adjustments to ensure the patient's comfort.
The cost of same-day dental crowns can vary depending on the tooth being restored and the materials being used. On average, the cost of a same-day dental crown ranges from about $1,000 to $1,500.
Some dental insurance plans do provide full or partial coverage for dental crowns, depending on the reason why the patient needs one. Our office can help you determine your policy's coverage and provide you with an estimate for the cost of your same-day dental crown treatment.
If you've been searching for a "dentist near me" to restore and enhance your smile with restorative and cosmetic dentistry, search no further. Our dentist in Mt. Pleasant serves the entire Charleston area and is highly experienced in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Plus, our office is equipped with the latest in dental tools and technology, allowing us to provide our patients with complete treatment with same-day CEREC crowns.
To learn more about same-day dental crowns or to request an appointment with Dr. Kusek, we welcome you to contact CHS Dental today.
We look forward to meeting you.Call 843-884-2021 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
