Same-Day Dental Crowns for Fast Restorations

Cerec Same Day Dental Crowns in Columbia, MODo you have a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma? It may need to be to be crowned or "capped" to get back to looking its best and function properly again. Our crowns are durable coverings that are custom-made to fit over your entire tooth from the gum line up. Up until recently, we relied on external labs to fabricate our patients crowns, but with the introduction of CEREC technology, we can make your crowns right here at Davis & Miller General Dentistry!

This dental technology allows us to fabricate laboratory-grade crowns and other dental restorations in minutes, not weeks-all within out office. This is incredible when you consider that before, with traditional crown creation, they would take two to three visits to complete, and now you can walk out with a new crown on the same day!

Schedule Your Appointment

Why Do You Need a Dental Crown?

For Protection and Restoration

  • If your tooth has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a crack, a crown can protect it from further damage by acting as a layer of defense. This means your natural tooth can be repaired, reinforced, and then covered!
  • A crown can restore teeth that have been broken or chipped to improve its function, matching your bite perfectly and making chewing your favorite meals easy again.
  • Over time, your teeth can become worn down. Crowns can restore your tooth's shape and prevent further wear.

For Appearance

  • If your tooth is severely discolored and cannot be whitened, a crown can cover the discoloration. We make sure to match the color of your surrounding teeth for a seamless blend, and can even go a step further if you're considering a teeth whitening treatment by going a shade lighter. 
  • A crown can correct the shape of misshapen teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing smile, all while being discreet and looking natural..

For Supporting Other Restorations

  • Crowns can be used to anchor a dental bridge to replace missing teeth, giving a supporting point for your bridge and protecting the tooth that holds the bridge in place!
  • A crown can be placed on top of a dental implant to restore a missing tooth. In fact, crowns are the visible part of an implant that give you your smile back. 

If you're considering a dental crown, it's best to consult with Dr. Davis or Dr. Miller to figure out if this is the right treatment for you. We're here to help, and we would love to get to know you!

How It Works

The process of crowning your tooth starts out the same, whether it's a same-day crown or traditional crown: with "preparation" of the tooth. This involves removing any decay that's present and shaping the tooth with a dental drill so that it will fit perfectly inside the crown. But the similarities end there.

If you were getting a traditional crown, the next step would be to take an impression of your teeth with a putty-like material to construct a model on which to create the crown. With a same-day crown, we will simply give your teeth a light dusting of reflective powder and then use a small scanning wand attached to a computer to take digital impression of your mouth. In seconds, the computer will generate a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth. But it gets even better!

With the help of the CAD/CAM software, we will design your crown while you wait. We can even use the software to create a mirror-image twin of the same tooth on the other side of your mouth, for the most natural-looking result possible. This is particularly useful if your crowns will support a bridge! We then choose a block of dental ceramic material in the shade that most closely matches your own teeth. The computer's digital design is transmitted to a milling machine that carves the crown from the ceramic block in about five minutes.

Once we have verified the fit and made any aesthetic enhancements we deem necessary to the crown's surface (staining and glazing, for example), we will bond the crown to your tooth. With a traditional crown, you would have to wear a temporary restoration for several weeks while the permanent crown was being fabricated at the lab. With a same-day crown, you walk out with the real deal.

The CEREC Difference 

Same-day restorations, like CEREC crowns, have been designed with the demands of modern life in mind. Very few patients have the time and resources available to come for multiple appointments or wait weeks for their permanent restoration. Eliminating the unnecessary wait time, cost of commutes and saving our patients valuable time makes same-day crowns our preferred approach. 

Caring for Your Same-Day Dental Crown

Crowned teeth require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth — restored and natural — every day to reduce the build-up of dental plaque. When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings here at the dental office. Avoid using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example). If you have a grinding habit, wearing a nightguard would be a good idea to protect your teeth and your investment. A well-cared-for same-day crown will last for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are same-day crowns as durable as traditional crowns?
Same-day crowns, usually made from high-quality ceramic, are very durable and can last as long as traditional crowns. The lifespan of any dental crown, regardless of which type it is, largely depends on good oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits like teeth grinding. However, the material used and the technology involved in same-day crowns make them comparable in strength and durability to traditional crowns.

What are the advantages of same-day crowns over traditional crowns?

The primary advantage of same-day restorations is convenience, as they eliminate the need for multiple dental visits and temporary crowns. They also offer a precise fit since they are digitally designed and manufactured. Additionally, the process is less invasive, as there is no need for physical dental impressions, which can be uncomfortable for some patients.

Can anyone get a same-day dental crown?
While most patients are eligible there are some exceptions. Patients with particularly complex dental issues, such as severe tooth decay or a need for extensive tooth reshaping, might not be suitable candidates. Dr. Davis or Dr. Miller will evaluate your specific case to determine if a same-day restoration is the best option for you.

Are there any dietary restrictions after getting a same-day crown?
Immediately after your procedure, it's advisable to avoid eating until the anesthesia wears off to prevent accidental biting of the cheek or tongue. For the first 24 hours, it's recommended to consume softer foods and avoid very hot or cold beverages, as the tooth may be sensitive. While same-day crowns are durable, it's wise to avoid extremely hard, sticky, or chewy foods to prevent damage. Long-term, you can generally eat normally, but maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive consumption of hard or sugary foods will help in preserving the crown and overall dental health - just like with natural teeth!

Transform Your Smile with Crowns

If you've been hesitant about getting a crown because of the traditionally lengthy process, you don't need to be any longer! Thanks to our leading dental technology, we're equipped to place same-day dental crowns in Columbia to let you leave your appointment showing off a newly restored smile. Schedule your appointment today to give your smile the TLC it deserves.