Same Day Crowns at Foothills Dentistry
Hi, I'm Dr. Sawyer at Foothills Dentistry. We receive many questions about dental crowns, specifically the same-day dental crowns that we offer here. Same-day dental crowns are when a patient comes in for their crown appointment, we prepare the tooth, scan it, and mill it in the office, delivering the crown the same day. Traditionally, you would leave with a temporary crown and have a second appointment where you might need to get numb again. With our method, you have one appointment and get the crown that day.
At our office, we offer several different materials for same-day dental crowns. The most common are zirconia crowns, which are best for posterior crowns for people who grind or clench, as they are the strongest material. As we move forward in the mouth and get closer to the front, we have more aesthetic options like aesthetic zirconia, lithium disilicate, and other ceramics that really enhance the aesthetics of the crowns. We also have temporary materials that we can use as crowns if needed, and we can also do inlays and onlays, which are like large fillings using our mill to create a custom fit. It is very important, especially for posterior teeth or teeth in the back of your mouth, that when they have a root canal, they should have a crown.
Once you do a root canal on a tooth, it is weakened and really needs to be reinforced with a crown to protect it and hold it together. The good news here at Foothills Dentistry is we offer same-day crowns, which means you can have the root canal and get your crown on the same day.
What is the procedure for same-day dental crowns?
The procedure we use for same-day dental crowns is straightforward. You will come in, and we will get your teeth numb so that you're comfortable. We then prepare your tooth to fit a crown on top of it, which includes removing any cavities and possibly building the tooth back up if needed. We will scan your tooth when it's ready, and based on that scan, which is like a video of your tooth, we will use our software to design your crown. We then send it to the mill and make your crown in the office. It takes about 35 to 40 minutes of milling, but at the end of that, we can deliver your crown that same day.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No, getting a dental crown placed does not hurt. We anesthetize your tooth and make it numb so you're comfortable, but after that, there is no pain. The good news about same-day dental crowns is they save you from potentially having to get re-numbed in one or two weeks when you come back for the permanent crown, as you leave with your permanent crown today.
What are the consequences of having a crown?
Some of the consequences of having a dental crown include the importance of maintaining that tooth. You must ensure you're flossing well and keeping any food cleaned out after you eat. Please tell us if you feel like you're hitting that tooth too hard after you get the crown, as it's important for us to adjust it.
Your same-day crown will look almost exactly like your teeth. The software we use to design your same-day crowns tries to mimic, in most cases, the teeth surrounding it, so it blends in nicely. I would expect your same-day crown to last as long as any other crown, potentially seven years or your entire life. It all depends on if you take care of it and if you have any problems with your bite or anything else.
Can you get cavities on crowned teeth?
Yes, you can get cavities on crowned teeth. This is why it is still important to get your cleanings every four to six months, as recommended based on your situation, and to floss and brush every day, at least twice a day.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (706) 702-2771 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!