Dental crowns are artificial caps fitted over the top of a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, appearance, and functionality. Patients can opt for same-day crowns or traditional dental crowns. With same-day dental crowns, the process of preparing the tooth, taking impressions, and fabricating and placing the crowns is done in a single visit. Traditional dental crowns require multiple visits, as the crowns are formulated in a laboratory. Below are the benefits of choosing same-day crowns over traditional crowns for your treatment.

Improved Comfort and Convenience

With traditional treatment, the dentist takes impressions of your damaged tooth and sends them to a laboratory to fabricate the crown. You must schedule a second appointment to get the crown fitted over the tooth. This procedure can take several weeks, which can be stressful for people who have dental anxiety or phobia.

Same-day crowns are placed on the same day you get your fillings or root canal treatment. The dentist uses digital imaging technology to create a 3D model of the damaged tooth. The dentist fabricates the crown in-office and places it over the tooth to prevent further damage. Same-day crowns improve comfort and convenience because you don't have to plan multiple trips to the dentist. 

Reduced Risk of Further Tooth Damage

Traditional crowns take a while to be ready for placement; thus, dentists provide temporary caps to protect the damaged teeth before treatment. Unfortunately, the temporary caps can fall off, exposing your tooth to further damage. If the enamel is severely worn out, the tooth can chip or crack as you wait to get a dental crown.

After getting a root canal, the natural tooth can weaken due to the absence of significant enamel tissue. Same-day crowns are placed immediately after root canal treatment to protect the enamel from further damage. Once you leave the dentist's office, you can enjoy hard foods without worrying about the chips or cracks in your natural teeth.

Improved Fit and Functionality

Crowns must fit snugly over a natural tooth to function properly. A loose crown can make it difficult for you to chew and speak. Unfortunately, your crowns may not fit perfectly at first. If this happens with traditional crowns, you have to wait a few days for the dentist to adjust them.

Same-day crowns are fabricated in-office; thus, the dentist can adjust them on the spot to ensure they fit correctly. Since the fabrication process is instant, you can test the crowns and ask for multiple adjustments to achieve a perfect fit. This can significantly improve the appearance and functionality of the new dental restorations.

Same-day crowns come in a variety of materials, such as metal, ceramic, porcelain, and zirconia. They offer greater comfort, convenience, and protection than traditional crowns. If you are interested in same-day crowns, schedule an appointment with your dentist.