Same-Day Crowns

What Are Dental Crowns?

A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a complete covering for a tooth that is used to restore functionality to a tooth that has suffered damage.

Crowns are one of many options available for restoring teeth and may be an option when bonding or other more conservative treatments are not an option. This includes cases where a tooth has extensive tooth decay, a crack that threatens the structural integrity of the tooth, or after root canal therapy has been performed.

Crowns cover the entirety of the exposed portion of the tooth. They are made from porcelain and fashioned to look just like the top of a natural tooth. They are typically fabricated in a dental laboratory, but our office also offers same-day crowns with CEREC (click here to learn more about getting a crown in one appointment).

The procedure for getting a crown can vary depending on the type of crown.

Traditional porcelain crowns take more than one visit to complete. Dr. Angy will first prepare the tooth in question to be able to receive a crown. After this, an impression of the tooth will be made, allowing the creation of a crown that will be a perfect match for your tooth.

This impression will be sent to a dental lab where the crown will be created in a shade that will match well with your other teeth. While waiting for the crown to be created, you will be fitted with a temporary restoration to protect your tooth until your next visit, at which point your final crown will be bonded into place.

An alternative to traditional crowns, CEREC provides the option of getting a crown in a single visit.

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. While traditional crowns are manufactured in a dental laboratory based on the impression taken during the first appointment, CEREC crowns are produced in our office while you wait.

The initial procedure is the same as for a traditional crown: Dr. Angy will first prepare your tooth to receive the crown. Then an impression will be made. Rather than being forwarded on to a dental lab, this impression will be entered into a computer to create a virtual model of your teeth, allowing for the computer-aided design of your new crown.

CEREC involves a milling machine at our practice that can take a block of ceramic and sculpt it into the crown from the digital design in approximately 20 minutes. This crown can then be polished and glazed until it takes on the life-like appearance of a natural tooth. Once completed, the new crown is checked to ensure the proper fit and then cemented into place. No temporary crown is necessary.

The entire process usually takes from an hour to an hour and a half to complete, allowing you to get a new crown in just one appointment.

The lifespan of your crown can depend on how well you take care of it. Remember: the crown is still protecting a living tooth that needs the same care as the rest of your teeth. Be sure to continue to brush twice a day and floss in order to eliminate plaque from the area where the crown meets your gums and prevent gum disease.

It's best to avoid biting into hard food or other objects which might damage your crown (such as fingernails). Let Dr. Angy know if you have a habit of grinding your teeth, as this should be addressed to help protect, not only your crown, but all of your teeth from damage.