If you have severe tooth decay or have experienced dental trauma and have a damaged tooth, these aren’t things to leave untreated. When you don’t take action on issues with your teeth, it can lead to serious problems for you down the road—we’re talking about tooth loss, bleeding gums, jaw pain, and more.

But we know what you’re thinking. You don’t have the time to visit the dentist’s office for multiple visits to get a dental crown. And those same-day dental crowns you keep hearing about—they can’t be nearly as good as regular crowns. Right? 

Well, we’re here to tell you you’re mistaken. In this article, we’ll explain why same-day dental crowns in Edwardsville, IL, are where it’s at.

What are same-day crowns?

Let’s start with the basics. Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are just as they sound. There is no need for multiple visits or dealing with a temporary crown while the permanent one is milled in an off-site lab. With a same-visit crown, you are in and out in one appointment. Super convenient, right?

To further elaborate, CEREC stands for a chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics, and its cutting-edge technology allows our Edwardsville dental practice to create a custom crown on-site. Here’s how it works: your dentist will take a digital scan of your tooth, design your new crown using specialized software, and then mill the crown right in the office. The result? A perfectly fitted, high-quality ceramic crown that restores the look and function of your tooth, in just one visit.

Now that you know how convenient same day crowns are, let’s clear up some of the myths people mistakenly believe about them.

1. Same Day Crowns Are Less Durable

Many people think that because single visit crowns can be made so quickly, that they can’t possibly last as long as traditional crowns that take longer to craft. That makes sense, right? Well, kind of, but not really. The truth is that dental technology has come a long way, and just because it used to take multiple visits to create a crown, that’s simply not the case anymore. Today’s same day crowns are built to stand the test of time. When you practice good oral hygiene, you can expect your new crown to last 20 to 30 years. 

2. Same Day Crowns Look Unnatural

While metal and gold crowns used to be the gold standard, so to speak, today’s dental patients want a look that will blend in with their natural teeth. No one wants to flash a smile only for it to show off a flash of metal unless you are into the grill look.

Same day crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that closely mimic the color and translucency of your natural teeth. This means they blend in with the rest of your smile, making it nearly impossible for anyone to notice you’ve had dental work done. The design process is also highly precise, allowing for a custom fit that matches the shape and size of your existing teeth. With their natural appearance and custom craftsmanship, same day crowns allow you to smile confidently without worrying about standing out for the wrong reasons.

3. The Process Is Too Quick to be Effective

Any process that is faster must mean that corners are cut, right? Wrong. Businesses in all industries look for ways to simplify their processes to become more efficient. And modern technology allows us to do that without cutting corners and lessening the quality of our work.

The CEREC process is faster because it eliminates the need for messy impressions and long waits for an off-site lab to create your crown. With advanced digital scanning technology, we can capture precise images of your tooth in seconds. The crown is then milled on-site, allowing for a custom fit in just one visit. 

This approach means less time in the dental chair and fewer appointments, but the quality of the crown remains high. The ceramic material used in CEREC crowns is strong and designed to withstand daily use, making these crowns just as effective as traditional ones.

4. Same Day Crowns Are Just for Emergencies

The belief that same day crowns are for emergencies only is quite the misnomer. Think of it like this—if traditional crowns mean a temporary crown is placed while you wait for your permanent one, then how could a same day crown be reserved just for emergencies?

Same day crowns are a great option for most people who need a dental crown to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. They’re especially convenient for those with busy schedules who want to avoid multiple visits to the dentist. However, in some cases, traditional crowns might be a better option, such as when the tooth requires extensive restoration or if the damage extends below the gumline. In these situations, a lab-created crown might be the better choice.

5. All Dentists Offer Same Day Crowns

While the CEREC technology has been around since the early 2000s, not all dentists have yet added this solution to their dental practice. The technology is rather costly and requires additional space in the office that some practices might not have available.

Hite Family Dentistry is pleased to offer same day dental crowns in Edwardsville, Illinois. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and dispel any other myths that might be taking up residence in your mind. Rest assured, our priority is to give you the best dental treatment for your needs.

Contact Your favorite Edwardsville dental practice to learn more about same day dental crowns. 

Are you intrigued by the concept of a same day crown? Are you busy without the time to dedicate multiple visits to treat one dental issue? If so, a single visit crown might be right for you. To learn more, request an appointment with Hite Family Dentistry today.