Chipped a Tooth? How CEREC Same Day Crowns Can Restore Your Smile Fast!
With CEREC Same Day Crowns You Don’t Have to Wait Weeks to Fix a Chipped Tooth
Chipping a tooth can happen in an instant. One wrong bite during a meal, an accidental elbow during a friendly game, or even a fall that bumps your mouth. Suddenly, your tongue keeps finding that rough edge, and you can’t stop thinking about it.
A chipped tooth might not seem like a big deal at first, especially if it doesn’t hurt, but even minor chips deserve attention. Teeth can’t repair themselves, and a small crack can turn into a bigger issue if it’s ignored.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait weeks to fix it. With CEREC same day crowns, Staley Dental can restore your smile in a single visit, so you can get back to living life. Let’s walk through how CEREC works and why acting quickly matters.
How a Chipped Tooth Can Happen
Teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Hard foods, such as ice, nuts, or unpopped popcorn kernels, can crack enamel in an instant. Even something as simple as chewing on a pen or using your teeth to open packaging can cause damage over time.
Accidents are another common reason for chips in teeth. Sports injuries, slipping on wet pavement, or bumping into something unexpectedly can lead to a chipped tooth. Sometimes the chip is obvious. Other times, it’s a small superficial crack you don’t notice until your tooth starts to feel sensitive to cold or sweet foods and drinks.
Weakened enamel also plays a role in chipping. Teeth that have large fillings, previous dental work, or untreated decay are much more likely to chip under pressure than a healthy, whole tooth.
Why Chipped Teeth Shouldn’t Be Ignored
It’s tempting to shrug off a small chip, especially if there’s no pain. However, once enamel is broken off, the inner layers of the tooth become very vulnerable to further damage or decay.
A chipped tooth can worsen over time. Normal chewing pressure can deepen the crack or cause more of the tooth to break away. What starts as a small repair could turn into a more extensive dental restoration if you wait on treatment for too long.
Sensitivity is another concern. When enamel thins or cracks, hot and cold foods usually start to trigger discomfort. The rough surface left from a chip also makes it really easy for bacteria and plaque to cling to, which means your chances of developing a cavity are much higher than with the smooth surface of healthy tooth enamel.
What is a CEREC same day crown?
Getting a crown used to mean at least two visits. The first visit is to prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown. The second visit would happen two or so weeks later, to remove the temporary and place the permanent crown.
CEREC same day crowns completely change that process!
CEREC technology uses digital scans instead of messy putty impressions. These super-detailed images of your tooth are used to design a custom crown and mill it from a strong ceramic block while you wait.
Since every step happens in the office, you leave with your beautiful new permanent crown the same day. That’s why CEREC crowns are usually referred to as same day crowns.
Why Patients Love CEREC Crowns
The goal of repairing a chipped tooth is to protect the structure of what’s left of your tooth while also restoring its original shape and strength. CEREC same day crowns are carefully designed to match the color and contour of your natural teeth. Since the entire design process is overseen by your dentist, there’s no worry about getting a perfect match or the potential for a dental lab to send back a crown that doesn’t quite fit or look right.
You also can’t beat the convenience of same day crowns. There’s no temporary crown to worry about and no need to find time to come back weeks later for final placement. That means fewer interruptions to your schedule and less time spent thinking about your chipped tooth.
What to Expect During Your Dental Crown Visit
If you’ve never had a CEREC crown before, you might be wondering what all is involved with the appointment. From start to finish, the visit typically takes a few hours. Here’s a basic breakdown.
First, your dentist will gently prepare the chipped tooth by removing any damaged or weak spots. This step is crucial for making sure the surface is clean and the crown will adhere securely.
Next, the digital images we mentioned are taken. These scans replace traditional impressions and are much more comfortable. Plus, it takes less time to get all the images the CEREC software needs. Once the images are uploaded, your dentist designs your custom crown while you wait in the chair.
After your dentist has perfected the design in the software, it’s sent to the milling machine. This part usually takes less than an hour. Your dentist will then check the fit, make any minor adjustments that are needed, and permanently bond it to your tooth.
Get Back to Smiling with Staley Dental
Don’t let a chipped tooth doesn’t have to derail your week. With CEREC same day crowns, you can restore strength and appearance in one visit and move on with your day.If you’ve noticed a chip, rough edge, or sensitivity, don’t wait to have it checked. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment to have your chipped tooth evaluated and learn more about same day crowns in Boise, Idaho.