A Beginner’s Guide to Same-Day Crowns: Everything You Need to Know
Having damaged teeth due to tooth decay, trauma, or discoloration can impact not only the appearance of your smile but also hinder normal tooth function. If you have any of these dental issues, there are options in dentistry that you can go for, including crowns.
Crowns are popular decayed tooth treatment. Fifteen million Americans have crowns. Typically, a crown “caps” the damaged tooth to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.
Crowns have come a long way to where they are today. To get traditional crowns, it will take a minimum of two appointments. But, now you have the option of choosing same-day crowns if you are in a hurry or do not want to come in for multiple sessions before you get the crown.
So, what is a same-day crown?
Same-Day Crowns, In a Nutshell
Just like traditional crowns, same-day crowns work the same way. They are placed over a broken tooth or a minimally damaged tooth. They can also be used to restore several teeth.
The main difference between traditional crowns and same-day crowns is the time it takes for you to get the crown. Just as the name suggests, you get the crown the same day you visit our dentist in Jackson, MI.
Same-day crowns are also referred to as CEREC, which is short for ceramic restoration. This modern dental technology is a progressive digital system that is used to generate all-ceramic crowns in one dental visit.
Why Do You Need Same-Day Crowns?
You might need the same day crown in the following situations:
- To restore a severely worn down or broken tooth
- To hold a bridge in place
- To cover a dental implant
- To support and cover a tooth that has a large filling and there is not a lot of teeth left
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or decay or to hold together the parts of a cracked tooth
- To cover a cosmetic modification
How Does It Work?
Traditionally, the process of receiving crowns would take days and at times weeks. Molding, manufacturing, and fitting crowns can take a lot of time and effort. CEREC crowns offer you the chance to cut down the time to just a few hours.
To receive CEREC crowns on front teeth typically involves three steps:
- Our dentist in Jackson, MI, will start by preparing your tooth. This consists of removing decay and then shaping your tooth to create space for the crown to fit.
- Then, our dentist will dust your teeth with a reflective powder and using a scanning wand attached to a computer, take 3D digital images of your mouth. In seconds, the computer generates an accurate 3D image of your teeth.With the help of (CAD/CAM) Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing software, your crown will be designed while you wait. Also, using the same software, we can create a twin of the same tooth on the other side of your mouth, for a better natural-looking appearance.Our dentist will then choose a block of ceramic material that is a close match to your teeth. The computer transmits the 3D image taken before to the milling machine, which carves your crown in approximately five minutes.
- Once our dentist verifies that the crown is the exact fit and the necessary aesthetic adjustments like glazing and staining have been done, the crown will be bonded on your tooth.
With traditional crowns, you would have to wear a temporary crown after the first visit. Then wear it for several weeks as you wait for your permanent crown to be fabricated in the lab.
After Care
Just like your natural teeth, you need to have proper oral habits for them to last long. Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once each day. This will help reduce the buildup of plaque.
When you have crowns, you need to maintain regular dental visits for cleanings.
Avoid opening packages or condiment packages with your teeth. Also, you will need a mouthguard if you have a grinding habit.
Same-day crowns are durable and cost-effective decayed tooth treatment. If you have any queries, you can contact us at Summit Woods Family Dental Care, and we would love to answer all your questions.