Same-Day Crowns

If you have a cracked tooth, a large filling, or a failing crown, a same-day crown may help restore the tooth's strength, function, and appearance. Our team uses digital imaging, precise planning, and in-office technology to make treatment as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Same-day crowns are created using digital scans and in-office milling technology rather than traditional impressions and an outside dental lab.

We begin with an exam and digital X-ray to determine whether a crown is the right treatment for your tooth. If additional imaging is needed, we may also use CBCT technology.

Next, we use an iTero digital scanner to capture a detailed image of your tooth and the surrounding teeth. Your crown is then digitally designed and fabricated in our office using CEREC technology.

Once the restoration is ready, we check its fit, bite, and appearance. Any necessary adjustments can be made before the crown is securely bonded in place.

The main benefit of a same-day dental crown is convenience. Because many crowns can be fabricated and placed in a single visit, patients can often avoid a temporary crown and a return appointment for final placement.

Benefits may include:

• Fewer dental appointments

• Less time away from work or other responsibilities

• No temporary crown that can loosen, fracture, or fall out

• Digital scanning instead of traditional putty impressions

• Same-day evaluation of the crown's fit, bite, and appearance

At Wrightsville Dental, we also explain each stage of treatment so you know what to expect before your crown is placed.

During your appointment, the dentist will prepare the damaged tooth, digitally scan it, create the crown in-office, and check the final restoration before placement.

Your visit begins with an evaluation of the tooth. The area will be numbed as needed, and the dentist will remove damaged, decayed, or old restorative material before preparing the tooth for the crown.

We then scan the prepared tooth and the surrounding area. While your crown is being designed and milled, you can relax with amenities such as blankets, warm towels, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Once the crown is ready, we carefully evaluate the fit and bite. Small adjustments can be made before the restoration is bonded securely in place.

Same-day crowns may be appropriate for teeth that are weakened or damaged but still have enough healthy structure to support a crown.

They may be recommended for teeth affected by:

• Cracks

• Large fillings

• Decay

• Broken restorations

• Failing crowns

Not every damaged tooth can be treated with a crown alone. If the tooth has an infection or significant structural damage, additional treatment may be necessary before a crown can be placed.

We also evaluate your bite, gum health, adjacent teeth, and remaining tooth structure before recommending treatment. When a case requires more complex planning, Dr. James Gainer, Dr. William Watt, and Dr. Adrian LePendu can collaborate and discuss appropriate treatment options.

The main difference is how the crown is created and how many appointments may be required.

A traditional crown often involves impressions, a temporary crown, and fabrication by an outside dental laboratory before the final restoration is placed at a later visit.

With CEREC technology, many ceramic crowns can be digitally designed and milled in our Wilmington dental office. This allows us to complete certain crown restorations in a single appointment without a temporary crown.

Not every crown can be completed this way, so we evaluate each tooth individually before recommending treatment.

Care for a same-day crown much like you would care for a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, floss around the crown, and continue regular dental checkups so your dentist can monitor both the restoration and the surrounding gum tissue.

After your appointment, avoid chewing until any numbness has worn off and follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.

If your bite feels uneven, the crown feels unusually sensitive, or you experience ongoing discomfort, contact our office. A small adjustment may be all that is needed to improve comfort.

Wrightsville Dental uses several types of digital technology to plan and complete many crown restorations in our Wilmington, NC, office.

Our technology includes:

• CEREC milling: Creates certain ceramic crowns directly in our office

• iTero digital scanning: Captures detailed images of your teeth without traditional impressions

• Digital X-rays: Help us evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures

• CBCT imaging: Provides additional three-dimensional diagnostic information when needed

These tools give our dentists detailed information throughout treatment and allow us to evaluate the crown's fit, bite, and appearance before final placement.