When a tooth is cracked, heavily decayed or weakened by a large filling, a dental crown restores its strength, function and natural appearance. At Elevation Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we use CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology to design, craft and place custom porcelain crowns in a single visit. There are no messy impressions, no temporary crown and no second appointment. You leave the same day with a durable, natural-looking restoration.
Book OnlineSame-Day Porcelain Crowns Made Right in Our Office
Traditional crowns usually take two appointments spaced a couple of weeks apart. In between, you wear a temporary crown while an outside lab makes the final restoration. CEREC eliminates that wait. With computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), we scan, design and mill your crown chairside from a solid block of high-quality ceramic, so your tooth is fully restored before you head home.
Your same-day crown appointment typically includes these steps:
- Examination and Planning: We examine the tooth, take any needed X-rays and confirm that a same-day crown is the right option for you.
- Tooth Preparation: After numbing the area, we remove any decay and gently shape the tooth so the crown fits securely.
- Digital Scan: A small intraoral camera captures a precise 3D image of your tooth. No bulky impression trays are needed.
- Custom Design: The CEREC software uses your scan to design a crown that matches the shape and bite of your natural teeth.
- In-Office Milling: Our milling unit shapes your crown from a ceramic block, and we fine-tune the shade and finish for a lifelike look.
- Final Placement: We check the fit and bite, then permanently bond the crown to your tooth.
Benefits of same-day crowns include:
- One Visit, Start to Finish: No return appointment and less time away from work, school or family.
- No Temporary Crown: Skip the weeks of wearing a temporary that can loosen, break or cause sensitivity.
- Comfortable Digital Impressions: A quick scan replaces goopy impression material.
- Precise Fit: Digital design helps your crown fit accurately and feel natural when you bite.
- Natural-Looking Results: Tooth-colored ceramic is shade-matched to your smile and reflects light like natural enamel.
- Strength and Durability: High-quality ceramic stands up to everyday chewing and resists staining.
Dr. Leah McQuigg and Associates are committed to using advanced technology to make your care more comfortable, convenient and effective. If you need a dental crown in Colorado Springs, CO or would like to find out whether a same-day crown is right for you, contact us at (719) 481-6788 to schedule an appointment.
FAQ
What is a same-day crown?
A same-day crown is a custom ceramic crown that is designed, milled and placed in a single appointment using CEREC technology, instead of being made at an outside dental lab.
How long does a same-day crown appointment take?
Many same-day crown visits take around two hours, though the exact time depends on the tooth being treated and your individual needs.
Are same-day crowns as strong as traditional crowns?
Yes. CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic designed to withstand normal biting and chewing forces, and with proper care they offer durability comparable to lab-made ceramic crowns.
Is everyone a candidate for a same-day crown?
Many patients are good candidates. Some complex cases, or situations that call for a different crown material, may be better suited to a traditional crown. We will recommend the best option for your smile during your visit.
Does getting a same-day crown hurt?
We numb the area before preparing the tooth, so most patients feel little to no discomfort. Mild sensitivity afterward is normal and usually fades within a few days.
How long do same-day crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a same-day crown can last 10-15 years or longer.