Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to dental restorations, the advancements in technology have brought about significant improvements in convenience and efficiency.
One such innovation is the same-day dental crown. These crowns eliminate the need for multiple dental visits and temporary crowns, providing a permanent solution in just one appointment.
Same-Day Dental Crowns: A Quick Overview
Same-day dental crowns are permanent crowns that are created and fitted in a single dental visit.
Traditional dental crowns require multiple visits because the crown needs to be fabricated in a lab, which can take several days or even weeks.
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In contrast, same-day crowns leverage advanced technology to complete the process in about an hour.
Technology Behind Same-Day Crowns
To create same-day crowns, dental offices must be equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) machines. The intraoral scanner captures a detailed 3D image of the tooth, which is then used by the CAD/CAM system to design and mill the crown on the spot.
The Procedure
The process of getting a same-day crown involves the following steps:
- Preparation: The dentist prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown.
- Scanning: An intraoral scanner captures a precise 3D image of the prepared tooth.
- Designing: Using CAD software, the dentist designs the crown based on the scan.
- Milling: The design is sent to a milling machine, which fabricates the crown from a block of ceramic material.
- Fitting and Bonding: The dentist fits the crown to ensure it sits correctly and then bonds it permanently to the tooth.
CEREC Crowns
One popular technology used for same-day crowns is CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.
CEREC crowns are known for their excellent esthetics and durability.
Made from ceramic materials, they blend seamlessly with natural teeth and are a strong option for dental restorations.
Cost Comparison
Traditional dental crowns can cost between $300 and $1,000 out of pocket. The cost of CEREC crowns can vary but typically ranges from $500 to $1,500.
While CEREC crowns are made of ceramic and are strong, they aren’t as durable as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
They may break or chip under great pressure, whereas metal crowns bond better with teeth and are more resistant to wear and tear.
Zirconia Crowns
Some dental offices use zirconia milling machines for same-day crowns. Zirconia CAD/CAM crowns are custom-made restorations designed and fabricated using computer-aided design and manufacturing technology.
Zirconia crowns are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
The cost of zirconia crowns typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per crown.
Durability and Aesthetics
- CEREC Crowns: Made of ceramic, these crowns are more flexible and wear more like natural teeth. However, they may not be as durable as zirconia or metal crowns.
- Zirconia Crowns: Known for their extreme hardness and durability, zirconia crowns are an excellent choice for long-lasting restorations. They also offer superior aesthetics, closely matching the appearance of natural teeth.
Conclusion
Same-day dental crowns offer a convenient and efficient solution for those in need of dental restorations.
With advanced technologies like intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems, dentists can create and fit permanent crowns in a single visit.
While CEREC crowns provide a great balance of esthetics and strength, zirconia crowns offer unmatched durability.
Understanding the options and costs can help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
“Denta digest” – a blog on Oral diseases & Dental problems” is the brainchild of Dr. Sai Kiran MDS. As an Oral medicine expert and a consultant oral radiologist, he is good at diagnosis & treatment planning. Dr.Kiran has many national & international publications to his credit. Read more about him on the “about me” page.
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