What are Same-Day Crowns?

Same-day crowns are full porcelain crowns that are designed to look like your natural teeth. Most dentists use porcelain because it mimics the look of natural tooth enamel better than other types of materials. Porcelain is also stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the crown changing color over time.

How Is the Same-Day Crown Procedure Carried Out?

First, your dentist will numb the area in your mouth where the new crown will be fitted so that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. After that, the dentist will shape your tooth so that it’s ready for the crown. Then, they will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it until the permanent one is made. The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent one will be placed with a cement-like adhesive.

The procedure takes about an hour from start to finish, and you should be able to continue your normal activities after you leave the office. However, it’s recommended that you avoid eating sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the crown for the first few days that you’re wearing it.

How Are Same-Day Crowns Made?

Same-day crowns are designed and fabricated by a digital machine that can take precise measurements of your teeth and send the information to a milling machine in the office. The machine shapes the crown from a solid block of porcelain and then sends it out to the dental office for placement. This saves you from having to wear a temporary crown for several weeks while you wait for your permanent one to be made in the lab. Same-day crowns are also much more affordable than traditional crowns because there’s no lab fee involved. 

Are Same-Day Crowns Right For Me?

While same-day crowns can save you both time and money, not every patient is right for this treatment. For example, if your tooth is excessively worn and fragile, we may need to restore it with a traditional dental crown instead. This step allows us to customize your crown to your tooth’s exact specifications, ensuring the most natural and comfortable fit possible. Additionally, if you have advanced gum disease, we may recommend that your periodontal disease be addressed before having a tooth restored with a same-day crown. Otherwise, this treatment may be ineffective in preventing further tooth loss. Our dentist in San Diego will discuss any health concerns that may interfere with the efficacy of this treatment with you during your consultation at Louis E. Paulerio, D.D.S.

What Are the Advantages of Same-Day Crowns?

Same-Day Crowns offer a number of advantages when compared to traditional crowns, including:

• No temporary crown is needed
• Comfort
• Minimal to no gum tissue irritation
• Time savings

Because there is no downtime needed for Same Day Crowns, patients can have their procedure done in the morning and be off to work or the rest of their day! This is especially helpful for patients who can’t take time off work for a procedure that would normally take two visits. 

How Long Can I Expect Same-Day Crown to Last?

With proper care and by avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting your nails, your crown can last for a decade or more!

How Can I Care For Same-Day Crown?

It’s important to keep your new crown clean to ensure long-term success. Brush and floss regularly, and make regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups. Plaque can build up around the edge of a crown and weaken it over time, so it’s important to keep that area clean and free of debris. Avoid chewing hard items like ice and hard candy, which can damage the crown or even break your teeth if you have an old filling or tooth fracture.

If you have any questions about how to care for your new same-day dental crown in San Diego, don’t hesitate to ask our dental team.

To know more about treatments offered by our dentist, call us at (619) 223-3811 and schedule an appointment to visit the dental practice.