I'm excited to talk to you about a treatment that traditionally requires multiple appointments and weeks of waiting. But here at Sea Summit Dentistry, we can complete it in just one day. As a matter of fact, in just 2 hours, we call it same-day crowns. With our state-of-the-art modern technology, my team and I are able to digitally scan your tooth, design your custom crown, and create it right here in our office, all within a single 2-hour visit. No messy impressions to gag you, no temporary crowns that fall off, and no waiting for weeks for a lab to get that back to us. Let's walk you through the most frequently asked questions about the same-day crown procedure and what you can expect.
What are same-day crowns?
Same-day crowns are crowns that are made in a dental office using modern-day scanners and modern-day milling machines, even 3D printing machines. All of this is accomplished in just 2 hours, and you leave with your permanent crown. That's right, your permanent final crown in your mouth the same day.
How does same-day crown technology work?
Same-day crown technology works by using an intraoral scanner. It creates a digital model of your teeth. Then that same software creates a crown, and the dentist adjusts it to whatever your mouth is. Then that is sent via Wi-Fi to a milling machine. The milling machine will mill your crown out in about 12 minutes. We try it in your mouth and make sure the fit is proper. Then we bake it in the oven because we like to custom stain our crowns, add any little special anatomy your tooth may have, or different colors. It is fired, and about 20 minutes later, it is glued and bonded onto your tooth. As simple as that.
What type of crowns can we make in our office at Sea Summit Dentistry?
We can make ceramic crowns. They are called lithium disilicate. Why do we use it? Because it looks just like your tooth. As a matter of fact, we will take a photograph after, and you will not even be able to tell that it is a crown.
Also, we can mill different materials. We can mill composite-composite hybrids, which is a combination of ceramic and composite. They're both done very quickly and efficiently in our office, and you get your crown in about 2 hours.
Who is a good candidate for same-day crowns?
The good news is that everybody, just about everybody, is a good candidate for same-day crowns. Who is everybody? Everybody is anyone who needs a crown. And who may not? Well, someone who only has maybe a half hour or an hour to give us and cannot wait the 2 hours. But the inconvenience of taking another day off from work, driving down here, sitting down, doing all that needs to be done just to glue your crown on, sometimes just waiting a few extra minutes after the appointment to get your crown done the same day, is well worth it.
What is the appointment like to get a same-day crown?
The beauty of this is that it is no different than your appointment as you're used to, with one exception. After we prepare your tooth, we do not make any temporaries. You basically are sitting there for about 30 minutes doing nothing. Most of our patients get up, take a walk, listen to their phone messages, whatever they need. They entertain themselves for 30 minutes while we make their crown.
Is there any difference in longevity and performance of a same-day crown versus a traditional dental crown?
You may be wondering if there's any difference in terms of longevity and performance. As a matter of fact, modern-day scanners are more accurate than any human being could ever make your crown. They fit better. They are custom colored by the dentist chairside. Sometimes when we send pictures to the lab, they're pictures, and they're not always color correct. A dentist can look at it, custom color it, make it perfect, bond it on, polish it, and you will get the best outcome, the best long-term performing crown, if it is done in the office.
How much do same-day crowns cost?
Same-day crowns cost the same as any other crown. We do not charge extra here at Sea Summit Dentistry for your same-day crown. It is just a massive convenience for our patients. And if it costs the same, why not? Why make two visits out of it, right?
Do I need a root canal if I need a dental crown?
We do not do root canals on teeth unless they need to be done. So just because you need a dental crown, it absolutely does not mean that you need a root canal. Sometimes, though, people need a root canal. And if they should happen to need a root canal for whatever reason, the root canal is done, and a crown is given the same day
Often, it does not add time to the 2-hour visit because the root canal is done while the machinist is making your crown. So if you do need a root canal, it will not add any treatment time to your appointment.
Does dental insurance cover same-day crowns?
The good news is your insurance does cover same-day crowns as they cover any other crown. It is no different.
Same-day crowns allow us to restore your smile quickly, comfortably, and efficiently in just one 2-hour visit. By combining advanced digital scanning and in-office technology, my team and I are able to deliver precise custom results without the inconvenience of temporary crowns or multiple appointments.
At Sea Summit Dentistry, our goal is to make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible while providing long-lasting, high-quality care. If you've been putting off treatment because of time or multiple visits, same-day crowns may be the perfect solution for you. We look forward to helping you restore your smile.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (949) 787-3378 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!