Same Day Crowns vs Traditional Crowns

Do you have a tooth that needs a crown? A crown, sometimes referred to as a cap, is an artificial tooth that fits over your existing tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is so severely decayed that a regular filling will not be enough to restore it. You may also need a crown if you have a tooth that is cracked or chipped.

You may have heard that getting a crown is inconvenient because it requires a few appointments over a few weeks. But you can actually get a crown placed in just one day. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) single visit crowns make the process more convenient.

The main difference between traditional crowns and same day crowns is the process.

• Traditional Crown:The traditional crown procedure begins with a consultation where it is determined whether or not a crown is needed and if it is the right option for you. Impressions of the teeth may be taken the same day, either digital or plaster.

  You will then return on another day for the existing tooth to be shaved down and fitted with a temporary crown. It will take a few weeks for the permanent crown to be made in a lab; meanwhile you will need to be careful what you eat to avoid damaging your temporary crown.

  When your permanent crown is ready you return to the dentist to have it fitted. If it fits properly it will be permanently cemented into place. If not, it will be sent back to the lab where it was created for adjustments while you wait another few weeks.

• Same Day Crowns:The same day crown procedure also begins with a consultation. If it is determined that a crown will work for you, you may have it done that day or you may need to make an appointment for a later date to allot enough time for the process.

  On the day of your procedure, digital impressions are taken of your teeth. A permanent ceramic crown is created for you in the dental office while you wait. Then your existing tooth will be shaved down and the crown fitted. If it fits properly it will be permanently cemented into place. If it needs adjustments it will be corrected in the office in just a few minutes and then fitted again. You leave with a permanent crown in place and the procedure is complete.

The two types of crowns do have a lot in common:

• Traditional crowns and same day crowns are both usually made of ceramic, porcelain to be exact, because it is a type of ceramic that looks the most like natural tooth material.
• While traditional crowns are made using physical impressions, same day crowns are always made from digital impressions for your comfort and convenience.
• Both types of crowns require the existing tooth to be shaved down in order to accommodate the crown.
• Both allow the natural tooth root to remain in place.
• The cost is the same for both types of crowns.

If your biggest consideration is convenience, a same day crown is the obvious choice for you. You can avoid missing multiple days of work or other activities for appointments. Busy parents often prefer same day crowns because it is easier to get childcare for one appointment.

If you have a limited amount of time for your appointments, such as during your lunch break from work, you may need to split up the process among different days. Or if you simply prefer not to spend a long time waiting in the office, the traditional crown process may be better for you.

If the convenience of same day crowns appeals to you, Barkoff Dental offers CEREC single visit crowns. We schedule your appointment with enough time built in to make impressions, prepare your tooth, fit your crown, and make adjustments, all in the same day.

Call 516-921-1133 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with convenient dental care.