When it comes to dental procedures, time is often a concern for patients. Many people lead busy lives and want to minimize the amount of time spent in the dental chair. That's where same-day crowns come in. With advances in dental technology, it's now possible to get a dental crown in just one visit. But how long does a same-day crown procedure actually take? Let's explore the process and find out.
One of the major advantages of same-day crowns is their efficiency. The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, allowing patients to walk into the dental office and leave with a fully restored smile, all in the same day. Thanks to advanced technology and streamlined processes, the dentist can complete the preparation, design, and fabrication of the crown during a single appointment. This saves patients the inconvenience of multiple visits and significantly reduces the time spent in the dental chair.
Same-day crowns in Washington are made possible by a technology called CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. CEREC uses computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to create custom crowns right in the dental office.
The process starts with your Washington dentist preparing the tooth for the crown by removing any decay or damaged areas. Then, instead of taking traditional impressions using messy putty, a digital scan of the tooth is taken using a specialized camera. This scan is used to create a 3D model of the tooth on a computer screen.
Next, the dentist uses the CEREC software to design the crown. They can customize the shape, size, and color of the crown to ensure a perfect fit and a natural appearance. Once the design is complete, the information is sent to an in-office milling machine.
The milling machine uses a block of ceramic material that matches the shade of your natural teeth. It precisely carves the crown according to the digital design. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
After the crown is milled, the dentist will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. Once the crown is deemed a perfect fit, it is polished and bonded to the tooth using dental cement. The entire process, from start to finish, usually takes about 1-2 hours.
One of the main advantages of same-day crowns is that they eliminate the need for temporary crowns. With traditional crowns, patients often have to wear a temporary crown for a few weeks while the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory. This means multiple appointments and the risk of the temporary crown breaking or falling off.
With same-day crowns, you can walk out of the dental office with your permanent crown in place. There's no need for a return visit or the inconvenience of wearing a temporary crown.
If you're in need of a dental crown and want to save time without compromising on quality, consider a same-day crown. Dr. Schuyler at Franklin County Dental and Implants in Washington offers same-day crowns using CEREC technology. Contact us at (636) 239-2273 to schedule an appointment and experience the convenience of same-day crowns for yourself. Your smile deserves it!