When a damaged tooth requires protection and restoration, waiting weeks for a permanent solution can feel like an eternity. You have to manage a temporary crown that might feel uncomfortable, avoid certain foods, and arrange multiple dental appointments around your busy schedule.
At Spring Street Dental in Bastrop, Texas, Dr. Romney and Dr. Meghan Bhakta use advanced CEREC technology to design, create, and place custom dental crowns in a single visit. This same-day approach eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments while delivering precise, durable restorations that blend naturally with your smile.
How Same-Day Crown Technology Works
CEREC technology uses computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to create dental crowns in approximately two hours. The process begins with digital imaging rather than traditional impression molds, which makes the experience more comfortable for patients who experience sensitivity to impression materials. After capturing a detailed 3D scan of your tooth, the system generates a digital model that can be adjusted for optimal fit and function. The milling unit then carves your custom crown from a solid block of ceramic while you wait.
The Traditional Crown Process Requires Multiple Visits
Traditional dental crowns involve a more extended timeline with at least two separate appointments. During your first visit, your dentist prepares the tooth and takes impressions that get sent to an external laboratory. You receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth while technicians fabricate your permanent restoration over the course of one to two weeks. Temporary crowns can present challenges during this waiting period. They may feel bulky or unnatural, and you need to exercise caution when eating to prevent the temporary from loosening or falling out. You then return for a second appointment, where your dentist removes the temporary and cements your permanent crown in place.
Key Advantages of Same-Day Crown Technology
Digital impressions eliminate the discomfort that some patients experience with traditional impression materials. The scanning process takes just minutes and captures highly accurate measurements that translate into better-fitting restorations. Research published by the National Library of Medicine indicates these precise digital impressions contribute to improved crown fit and reduced need for adjustments. Walking out of your dental appointment with a completed restoration offers significant advantages. Complete treatment in one visit means you avoid taking additional time off work or arranging childcare for multiple appointments. No temporary crown phase means you bypass the temporary crown experience entirely and receive your permanent restoration immediately. These time-saving benefits particularly matter for patients with demanding schedules or those who experience dental anxiety about multiple procedures.
Comparing Crown Materials and Durability
Same-day crowns consist of strong ceramic materials, typically lithium disilicate or zirconia, which provide excellent durability and natural appearance. Traditional crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, full ceramic, or metal alloys, each offering different combinations of strength and aesthetics. Studies tracking dental crown longevity show that properly maintained ceramic crowns often last 10 to 15 years or longer. Material choice depends on several factors, including the tooth’s location, your bite characteristics, and aesthetic preferences.
Digital Precision Creates Better Results
Computer-aided design eliminates many variables that can affect crown fit and appearance. The digital workflow allows your dentist to make precise adjustments to the crown design before milling begins. Traditional crown fabrication involves more steps and different people handling your case, with each handoff introducing potential for variation in the final product. The milling process offers remarkable accuracy, carving crowns that match your tooth’s unique shape and contours.
Experience Advanced Dental Technology at Spring Street Dental
Modern dental technology has transformed the crown placement experience from a weeks-long process with temporary solutions into a streamlined, same-day procedure. At Spring Street Dental, the team combines advanced CEREC technology with techniques that lead to successful, long-lasting restorations.
If you need a dental crown or want to learn more about same-day restoration options, the team at Spring Street Dental is ready to discuss how this technology can benefit your specific situation. Contact the office to schedule a consultation and discover how modern dentistry can restore your smile efficiently and effectively.