What are same day dental crowns?

Our smiles are so important to our daily lives. We smile to greet people. We smile to offer comfort in challenging times. We smile when we’re happy. We smile into the faces of young babies, hoping for them to smile back. We even smile when indulging in a decadent dessert or experiencing joy. But if you have a broken tooth, you might be holding back your smile and missing out on all the benefits that smiling has to offer. Don’t suffer from a fractured tooth any longer. Consider same day dental crowns and get ready to flash those pearly whites again.

Most of us are familiar with traditional dental crowns that dentists use to protect a cracked or weakened tooth. Until recently, traditional crowns were the only option. The crown process involved at least two visits to the dentist. The first visit was so the dentist could take impressions and place a temporary crown. The patient would then have to return a few weeks later for the dentist to cement the new permanent crown in place.

But now, dentists like Dr. Staley at Staley Dental in Boise, Idaho, offer same day crowns: the aesthetically pleasing game changer you need to know about. After all, when you undergo dental treatment, you want to see that it is necessary, will last, will look good, and will be comfortable.

10 More FAQs and Answers About Same Day Crowns

Check out our answers to your frequently asked questions about same day crowns.

1. What are same day crowns used for?

Same day crowns protect your natural tooth underneath from decay and damage, just like a traditional crown.

2. Will same day crowns look like my natural teeth?

Staley Dental offers CEREC same day crowns made of ceramic that is designed to match your tooth color. Your new CEREC crown will be aesthetically pleasing and look, feel, and function like your natural tooth.

3. Will my same day crown be as strong as a traditional crown?

Traditional crowns are typically made of porcelain fused to metal. While your same day crown is entirely ceramic and does not have a metal base, it will still be incredibly durable, designed to take on wear and tear just like any other crown.

4. How long does it take to get a same day crown?

As the name implies, you can get a same day crown in just one day. The entire appointment takes less than two hours, and there is no need to wait multiple weeks for an off-site dental lab to create your new permanent crown.

5. How long do same day crowns last?

CEREC same day crowns have a comparable lifespan to traditional crowns and can last up to 15 years. However, your crown may last longer with proper maintenance, such as good oral hygiene habits at home and professional dental cleanings by your dentist every six months.

6. Do I have to change my diet if I have a same day crown?

Many patients are concerned they won’t be able to eat all the foods they love if they have a same day crown. But the great news is that there are no food limitations. This said, there are some foods that you should be cautious with, such as seeds, nuts, and pretzels. It is also best to avoid biting down on popcorn kernels and ice altogether, as they can harm your teeth in general.

7. Will my new same day crown stain?

Your new CEREC crown is highly stain resistant. However, just as with natural teeth, they can pick up discoloration as time passes. Enjoy these foods and beverages in moderation:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Caramel-colored soda
• Red wine
• Dark sauces
• Dark berries

8. Do I have to bite down on that gooey substance for the dental impression?

One of the reasons why so many of our patients love same day crowns (aside from the single visit) is that there is no need for that ooey-gooey impression. For a CEREC crown, Dr. Staley uses digital technology to capture your full dentition in seconds and transfer it to his computer. This eliminates the need for messy dental impressions because the digital scan is all we need to create your new custom CEREC crown. This is just one of the many reasons why getting a dental crown today is so easy.

9. Can I smoke if I have a CEREC same day crown?

Generally, we highly discourage smoking after dental procedures, including extractions, implants, root canal therapy, gum surgery, and even same day crowns. We’d be remiss if we didn’t kindly encourage you to take steps to cease smoking in advance of any operative dental procedure and to refrain for 48 hours afterward.

10. Can I get a same day crown as part of a smile makeover?

If you’re not happy with your smile, you may consider a smile makeover. We frequently assist patients through cosmetic dentistry to help them improve their smiles and self-confidence. If you need a same day crown, it will not prevent you from receiving other popular cosmetic services. You can still explore tooth whitening, veneers, and more to help you smile for that next selfie.

Contact Staley Dental and see why same day crowns are an aesthetically pleasing addition to your smile makeover.

We want our Staley Dental patients to enjoy an attractive smile. If you have a broken tooth, now is the time to get it fixed. You’ll be on your way in two hours or less. Request an appointment for your CEREC same day crown today.