Same-Day Crown Process

In need of a dental crown? You’re not the only one! Dental crowns are one of the most popular restorative dentistry treatments we offer at our dental office in Easton, PA. Traditionally, a dental crown placement can take some time since they need to be custom made by a lab. However, College Hill Dental Group offers same-day crowns in Eaton, PA. Below, our dentists walk you through the same-day crown process.

Same-Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns

Same-day crowns are just as they seem – all done on the same day. Dr. Dave Moghadam will use an intraoral camera and a computer-aided design to create a 3D image of your damaged tooth. After making your custom 3D model, your Easton, PA dentist will use a CEREC system to create the crown. Next, he will prepare your tooth and bind it to the new crown. The entire process of same-day crowns takes about an hour. 

The method of traditional dental crown placement normally requires two visits. You should expect your dentist to take x-rays and do any additional work required, such as the root canal. As mentioned, the tooth impression will be sent to an outside lab.

At the end of your first appointment, your dentist will have placed a temporary crown to protect your tooth before your permanent tooth is finished by the laboratory within 2 to 3 weeks. Your second visit will include removing a temporary crown and placing the permanent crown.

Is There a Big Difference in Cost?

If you’re contemplating crowns from conventional crowns on the same day, you’re probably thinking which one is more costly. In certain cases, ceramic crowns have comparable prices, whether they are manufactured in your dental office or in a lab.

On the contrary, traditional crowns made of metal or porcelain, however, may be more expensive. Cost estimates indicate that porcelain crowns will cost between $800 and $3,000, while metal crowns range from $830 to $2,465.

Know that most dental insurance companies will cover the cost of dental crowns. If you don’t have dental insurance or your dental insurance does not fully cover the treatment, our dental office offers a dental savings plan for patients in Easton, PA.

Advantages of Same-Day Crowns

Same-day crowns are a quick and easy procedure that most patients prefer. After all, you won’t need a temporary dental crown, or you’ll have to wait for a permanent crown to come back from the lab weeks later. Also, you only have to visit our dental office once. 

You’re also going to benefit from better comfort. Going to the dentist causes anxiety for many patients, so getting it over within one visit is preferred for many. Dr. Kim, who offers dental crowns in Lexington, KY, says that you’re less likely to experience tooth decay with same-day crowns. This is because you want temporary crowns that fit poorly and can make it easier for bacteria to get into the tooth.

Disadvantages of Same-Day Dental Crowns

The biggest downside of the crowns of the same day vs. the traditional crowns is that there is a chance of more wear and tear. This is because the CEREC crown is made of ceramic, which is less durable than metal or porcelain. Same-day crowns are not suitable for all patients. If your tooth is missing under the gumline, your dentist can have trouble using an imaging camera to get a clear map of your tooth.

Benefits of Traditional Dental Crowns

Unlike CEREC crowns, which dentists easily produce on-site, traditional crowns appear to be stronger as they are manufactured in a lab. It’s also stronger due to the additional material choices available for conventional crowns. Although you can only get ceramic crowns on the same day, you can get traditional crowns of metal or porcelain.

Another advantage is that traditional crowns will look more natural than CEREC crowns. Not only can porcelain or ceramic options give you a more accurate tooth color, but an expert crafting your crown to fit your other teeth perfectly.

Disadvantages of Traditional Dental Crowns

One of the main drawbacks of conventional crowns is waiting time. Not only do you have to make several appointments, but you will even have to wait for weeks to obtain your permanent crown. In addition, you should expect a temporary crown while the lab makes the standard permanent crown. This temporary alternative at least offers you a tooth, but it appears to be less comfortable due to a poor fit.

Visit Your Easton, PA Dentist

In the end, you will choose the right crown for you based on your preferences for ease, comfort, consistency, and cost. Same-day crowns will appeal to you if you want a simple, convenient alternative and don’t mind the limitations of materials or durability. Traditional crowns are fine if you don’t mind two visits but want more choices for a personalized tooth that handles more wear and tear. Our team at College Hill Dental Group is happy to help you find a restorative solution for your smile. Contact our dental office in Easton, PA, to schedule your appointment today.