Same Day Dental Crowns Greensburg PA

Innovations in dental technology and procedures have made getting dental crowns simpler and quicker. Many patients can get same day dental crowns that look and feel like their natural teeth, eliminating the embarrassment of injured teeth and protecting teeth from future damage or dental disease.

What Is a Dental Crown and Why Do I Need It?

A dental crown is a cap placed over the visible portion of a tooth. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, a crown may be placed over it and cemented into place. This is often done to prevent having to extract the tooth if the crown (the visible portion of the tooth) is damaged but the root is still intact and healthy. Crowns can also be attached to a dental bridge or implants to replace missing teeth. The result is a functional bite and a great-looking smile that can last for decades.

There are many reasons Dr. Cavalier may recommend a dental crown, including:

• Restoring broken or chipped teeth and protecting them from further damage
• Supporting a dental bridge
• Improving the look of chipped or discolored teeth
• Protecting a tooth after a root canal
• Closing small gaps between the teeth
• Restoring a tooth with a damaged, loose, or missing filling
• Covering a severely decayed tooth and preventing further infection

Benefits of Same Day Crowns

Having a crown created and placed used to require at least two trips to your dentist or prosthodontist. At the first appointment, infection, decay, and damage were addressed, the tooth was cleaned, and the tooth was shaped to hold the crown. A temporary crown was attached while the patient waited for the permanent crown to be made. The crown was made, usually in a dental lab, based on dental impressions taken using putty.

Dr. Cavalier is proud to offer same day crowns for her patients. These crowns are custom crafted in our office using advanced 3D imaging technology in less than an hour. After your tooth is treated, cleaned, and prepared, the crown is attached and cemented to your natural tooth. You can walk out of our office the same day with a permanent crown. The numerous advantages of same day crowns include:

• No need to use unpleasant dental putty to make impressions
• Enhanced, 3D images allow us to create more detailed and accurate dental crowns
• Better fit and highest quality of materials
• Less time is needed to create and fit the crown
• No return visits to our dental office are needed
• More realistic and attractive

The Same Day Crown Process

Getting a same day crown is a comfortable, painless process. The damaged tooth is cleaned, all decay is removed, and the tooth is gently shaped with a small drill so that the crown will fit snugly over it.

Next, the inside of your mouth is coated with a reflective powder, and a scanning wand is used to capture numerous images of the inside of your mouth. These images are sent to a computer, where software creates detailed, digital images of the oral cavity, the remaining teeth, the jawbone, and the gums.

Specialized software creates a template for your replacement tooth. This image guides a milling machine that carves a new dental crown from a block of dental ceramic. Once the milling machine receives the images, it takes five minutes to create the crown. Dr. Cavalier will confirm the fit of the finished crown, refining it if needed before finishing it with a glaze or stain to match with the rest of your teeth.

The final step is bonding the crown to your tooth or, in some situations, a dental implant or bridge. There is no need for a temporary cap, which can be uncomfortable. The day you see us is when you leave our office with a beautiful, new restoration.

Crowns vs. Dental Implants and Porcelain Veneers

Crowns are often placed over a damaged tooth but are also used with dental implants to restore a missing or extracted tooth. A dental crown used with a dental implant is not placed the same day because your jawbone needs time to recover after your crowns can be attached. However, the crowns function and look like natural teeth when the crowns are permanently attached to the implants with abutments.

Some patients who want to enhance their teeth’s whiteness, shape, or spacing need crowns instead of porcelain veneers. Crowns can also be used cosmetically to improve the appearance of teeth that are not damaged or decayed. While veneers are an excellent solution if your teeth are discolored or have minor flaws, they may not be appropriate for more pervasive cosmetic issues. Porcelain veneers are not practical for improving the appearance of molars. If you grind or clench your teeth, porcelain veneers may pop off or become damaged. However, less of your tooth has to be shaped for porcelain crowns, which cover only the front surface of the teeth.

Dental Crowns FAQ

How much do dental crowns cost?

Same day crowns often cost less than crowns requiring more than one visit to the dentist because there is only one appointment, and the crown is created in the office. However, the cost depends on the size of the tooth, your overall health, the material used, and how long the process takes. To get an accurate quote, make an appointment with Dr. Cavalier. She will evaluate your teeth and gums, determine the best treatment plan, and give you an accurate cost estimate

Does insurance cover dental crowns?

It depends on the insurance carrier and whether the crown is for restorative or cosmetic purposes. Many dental insurances cover up to 50 percent of the cost of crowns if the procedure is necessary to repair a damaged tooth. You may have to pay out of pocket if the crown is purely for aesthetic reasons. We work with several dental insurance providers and are happy to help you determine the maximum coverage permitted. We also accept cash, credit cards, and CareCredit, a low- or no-interest payment program for medical and dental procedures.

What type of dentist is best for crowns?

Your general or family dentist can craft and place dental crowns over damaged teeth. We work closely with oral surgeons to ensure a seamless process and stunning results. If you need crowns placed over dental implants, you will be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for surgical placement of the implants. Dr. Cavalier will attach the crowns after your jawbone has healed.

What are the least expensive dental crowns?

Crowns are made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or porcelain over metal. Porcelain over metal is typically the least expensive option and provides an attractive appearance. However, they are not fully biocompatible, as some people are sensitive to the metals used.

What is a zirconia dental crown?

Zirconia is the latest material developed for crowns. It is an incredibly durable, long-lasting ceramic that looks natural and preserves your full bite force. They can last for decades but are more expensive than other dental crowns. Zirconia crowns last longer than porcelain and develop fewer sharp corners as they experience normal wear and tear over time. They also put less stress on opposing teeth or crowns than porcelain. Our same day dental crowns are made from zirconia.

How long do dental crowns last?

• Zirconia crowns last 15 years or more.
• Porcelain over metal crowns last anywhere from 5-15 years.
• Porcelain crowns last 5-15 years.
• Gold crowns can last for decades but are noticeable and usually reserved for teeth that are not seen, such as molars.

As with any dental restoration, the longevity of a dental crown is affected by factors including bite force, wear and tear, tooth position, and how well you care for your teeth. If you have dental crowns, avoid using them to tear open packages, eat hard or brittle foods, chew ice, or bite your fingernails.

What happens if my dental crown falls out or is damaged?

Contact our office right away for an emergency appointment. The underlying tooth may become painful or be damaged further if you do not get the crown replaced or reattached as soon as possible.

If the crown has fallen off but is undamaged, we may be able to reattach it to the tooth. If it is damaged, we can provide a temporary crown while a new crown made. We can often create a new zirconia ceramic crown on the same day.

Can dental crowns be whitened?

No, they remain the same color even when bleached, which may damage the crown. If you want brighter teeth, it is best to get them treated with a whitening treatment before you have a crown created. We can then match your new crown’s shade to your whiter teeth.

Dr. Cavalier has been creating and placing custom dental crowns for years. She uses 3D imaging and CAD programming to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results by drawing on her dental experience and artistic sensibility. If you are interested in learning more about same day crowns, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 724-291-0812. A member of our dental care family will schedule you for a consultation.