Have you ever chipped a tooth right before an important event or found out you need a crown, but hate the idea of waiting weeks for it? What if you could walk into your dentist’s office with a damaged tooth and walk out the same day with a full, healthy smile? That’s exactly what same day crowns make possible at Arlington Dental Excellence.
This modern dental marvel combines speed, precision, and beauty, offering a lasting solution that fits your schedule and your smile.
What Are Same Day Crowns?
Same day crowns are custom-made dental crowns created and placed in just one dental visit using advanced CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology. Traditional crowns usually take two or more visits, one for impressions and temporary placement, and another weeks later for the permanent crown.
With same day crowns, everything happens in our Arlington dental office in just a few hours. You’ll skip the messy molds, the temporary crowns, and the waiting game entirely.
Cutting-Edge Technology Behind Same Day Crowns
What makes same day crowns truly special is the advanced digital technology that powers their creation. Unlike traditional crowns that rely on physical molds, same day crowns use high-precision 3D digital scanners to capture every detail of your tooth and surrounding bite. This not only makes the process faster but also results in a crown that fits your mouth with incredible accuracy, reducing future adjustments and discomfort.
The crown is then designed using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, where the dentist can customize the size, shape, and even the color tone of your crown in real-time. The milling machine carves your crown from blocks of durable ceramic or zirconia, materials known for their strength and lifelike appearance, all within the dental office during your appointment. This eliminates the need to send impressions to a lab, shaving off weeks from the waiting time and ensuring you get your permanent crown in a single visit.
How Do Same Day Crowns Work?
At Arlington Dental Excellence, we use state-of-the-art CEREC technology, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, to design and mill your custom crown while you’re still comfortably in the dental chair.
Here’s what your same day crown appointment looks like:
- Digital Scan:
We start with a 3D digital scan of your tooth. This replaces the old-fashioned, gooey impression molds. It’s quick, comfortable, and extremely accurate.
- Digital Design:
Your dentist will then design your crown right in front of you on a computer screen. You’ll get to see how it will look and fit before it’s even made!
- In-Office Milling:
Once the design is finalized, our in-office milling machine carves your crown from a block of high-quality ceramic. This process is highly precise and typically takes about 15–20 minutes.
- Placement and Bonding:
After we check the fit and color match, your crown is polished and bonded permanently to your tooth. You’ll leave the same day with your complete, restored smile.
No temporary crown, no second appointment, no discomfort, just one smooth visit and a beautiful restoration.
Surprising Benefits of Same Day Crowns You May Not Know
Beyond the convenience of one-visit dentistry, same day crowns offer some lesser-known advantages:
- Healthier Tooth Restoration: Because same day crowns eliminate the need for temporary crowns, they reduce risks such as tooth sensitivity, irritation, or infection that can arise from temporary placements. This means your underlying tooth stays healthier throughout the treatment process.
- Less Tooth Prep: CAD/CAM technology often lets your dentist remove less natural tooth structure compared to traditional crowns, preserving more of your original tooth. This minimally invasive approach supports long-term oral health.
- Durable and Long Lasting: Same day crowns are made using high-quality materials like zirconia, which is extremely strong, resistant to wear and staining, and closely mimics the translucency and texture of natural teeth. They typically last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.
- Precision Fit Means Comfort: The computerized design and 3D scanning ensure the crown fits perfectly within your bite, avoiding painful pressures or misalignment. This precision reduces the chances of crown failure or the need for costly adjustments later.
- Time and Cost Savings: While the technology is cutting-edge, the cost of same day crowns is generally on par with traditional crowns. Plus, cutting out temporary crowns and lab fees can save you money overall. The major savings come from fewer dental visits, less time off work, and less hassle.
Common Myths About Same Day Crowns—Debunked
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about same day crowns that can make people hesitant. Let’s clear up a few common myths:
- Myth: Same day crowns are temporary and less durable.
- In reality, same day crowns are permanent restorations made from the same high-quality porcelain or zirconia used in traditional crowns. They are just as durable, if not more so, thanks to precise manufacturing processes.
- Myth: They don’t fit well and fall off easily.
- The opposite is true. Because of digital impressions and computerized milling, same day crowns typically have a fantastic fit that reduces slipping or loosening.
- Myth: Same day crowns aren’t suitable for teeth with severe decay.
While some cases may require additional treatment like root canals first, many severely decayed teeth can be treated with same day crowns, making quick restoration possible once the tooth is stabilized.
How Same Day Crowns Improve Your Overall Dental Health
Opting for same day crowns isn't just about aesthetics or convenience, it can also significantly benefit your oral health:
- A well-fitted crown restores tooth function, enabling better biting and chewing, which supports overall digestive health.
- By protecting a weakened or compromised tooth, a crown prevents further damage or infection, potentially saving you from more invasive treatments later.
- Same day crowns reduce the time your tooth is vulnerable between appointments, decreasing chances of infection or sensitivity.
- The precision fit helps maintain the correct bite alignment, preventing jaw pain, headaches, or uneven wear on other teeth.
At Arlington Dental Excellence, we prioritize these health benefits while delivering a seamless, friendly experience that people remember and recommend.
Are Same Day Crowns Right for You?
You might be wondering if same day crowns are suitable for your needs. They’re a great solution if:
- You’ve broken, cracked, or severely worn down a tooth.
- You have a large cavity that can’t be fixed with a filling.
- You’ve had a root canal and need to reinforce your tooth.
- You want to replace an old or damaged crown.
Same day crowns are ideal for most patients who need strong, natural-looking restorations. However, in some complex cases, lab-fabricated crowns may still be a better choice. Your dentist will always discuss all options openly with you during your consultation.
Ready to Transform Your Smile in One Day?
If you’ve been putting off dental care because you don’t have the time or don’t like the idea of multiple appointments, same day crowns at Arlington Dental Excellence are your perfect solution.
Why wait weeks when your new smile can be ready today? Call us at (703) 420-3253 or visit us at 3801 Fairfax Drive, Suite 54, Arlington, VA 22203 to book your appointment to start your same day crown journey. Walk in with a problem tooth, walk out with a flawless, confident smile.
FAQs
Are same day crowns as good as traditional crowns?
Absolutely. Same day crowns offer the same strength, durability, and beauty as lab-made crowns. In fact, because we design and adjust them digitally on the spot, they can often fit even better.
Do same day crowns cost more?
The cost is comparable to traditional crowns, but you save on time, travel, and extra appointments, which often makes them more cost-effective overall.
How long do same day crowns last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they can last 10–15 years or more, just like traditional crowns.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes! The ceramic material is matched precisely to your tooth color, so no one will ever notice. It’s designed to feel and function like a natural tooth.
Does it hurt to get a same day crown?
Not at all. We ensure you’re fully comfortable with gentle anesthesia and a soothing environment throughout your visit.
