Gone are the days of multiple dental appointments and temporary crowns when restoring damaged teeth. Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns or chairside crowns, have revolutionized dental restoration by condensing what was once a weeks-long process into a single office visit.
Thanks to digital dentistry technology like CEREC, these same-day crowns are just as natural-looking and resilient as traditional crowns. For patients with busy schedules, dental anxiety, or simply those who want immediate results, these computer-designed, custom-milled ceramic restorations offer a compelling combination of convenience and durability.
If a dental crown could be in your future, learning more about this modern option can help you make the best decision for your smile. Read on to discover more about CEREC dental crowns and where to find a dentist who offers the best same-day crowns in Mountain View.
When You Should Consider Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are protective caps that are placed over a tooth that needs reinforcement. There are several reasons why you may need a crown:
- A large cavity that's too extensive for a standard filling
- A tooth that has developed cracks that threaten its structural integrity
- Teeth weakened by previous dental work, like multiple fillings in the same tooth
- After a root canal procedure
Crowns also play a crucial role in supporting dental bridges, anchoring these tooth replacement options securely in place. For patients experiencing pain from broken or severely worn-down teeth, same-day crowns offer particular advantages by providing immediate protection and pain relief without the wait usually associated with traditional crown procedures.
How Are Same-Day Crowns Made?
Same-day crowns are crafted using advanced digital technology right in your dentist's office. The process begins with a special 3D scanner that captures detailed images of your tooth, eliminating the need for messy traditional impressions. These images feed into computer software, where your dentist designs your custom crown with impeccable precision.
Same-day crowns are milled from blocks of high-strength ceramic or porcelain specifically chosen to match your natural teeth's color, translucency, and sheen. These materials are completely metal-free and biocompatible, making them ideal for patients with metal allergies or those who prefer more natural dental materials.
How Long Do Same-Day Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, same-day dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their lifespan largely depends on several key factors that you can control:
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent decay at the gumlines surrounding the crown margins.
- Avoiding heavy bite force, like when biting ice or hard candy, or teeth grinding. These can break your crown or wear them out sooner. To maximize longevity, dentists recommend avoiding biting extremely hard foods and wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Attending regular dental checkups is important for your dentist to spot early signs of wear or damage to the crown. These preventive appointments enable minor adjustments that can significantly extend the life of your crown.
Do Same-Day Crowns Look Natural?
Absolutely! Modern dental technology allows same-day crowns to deliver remarkably natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Using advanced digital scanning technology, your dentist captures the exact shape, size, and contours of your tooth with precision that traditional putty impressions simply can't match. Sophisticated CAD/CAM software then allows your dentist to customize every aspect of your crown, from its exact shade to its translucency level, ensuring it matches your surrounding natural teeth perfectly.
Advantages of Getting Digitally Designed Same-Day Crowns
Digitally designed crowns transform the traditional dental restoration experience through the use of modern dental technology. This improves patient experiences in a number of ways:
- Instead of enduring goopy impression materials that can trigger gag reflexes, patients simply undergo a quick digital scan that creates an extraordinarily accurate 3D model of their tooth.
- This same-day treatment approach also eliminates the need for temporary crowns that often feel bulky, fall off, or cause tooth sensitivity while waiting weeks for a permanent solution.
- The digital process also reduces treatment time, typically requiring just one to two hours in a single appointment rather than multiple visits spread across several weeks. This efficiency means less time away from work, school, or family commitments.
- Perhaps the biggest advantage is that your dentist can make real-time adjustments if needed. If the initial fit isn't perfect, modifications can be made immediately rather than sending designs back to an external lab. This ensures your final crown feels comfortable when you bite down and blends seamlessly with your smile.
Looking for a Dentist who Provides the Best Same-Day Crowns in Mountain View?
Need a crown but don’t have time for multiple appointments? At Lagemann Family Dentistry, we make restoring your smile easy with advanced CEREC technology that designs, mills, and places your custom crown in just one visit. We take a personalized, patient-first approach, blending cutting-edge tools with compassionate care to ensure your crown feels natural, fits flawlessly, and lasts for years. Whether you're coming from Mountain View or nearby Los Altos, our warm, family-friendly team is here to make your experience efficient, comfortable, and tailored just for you.
Ready to see the best dental crown dentist in Mountain View for your same-day crown?
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