Dental crowns have long been a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, protecting and strengthening damaged teeth while restoring their appearance. Traditionally, getting a crown meant multiple appointments spread over several weeks, with temporary crowns and dental impressions that many patients found uncomfortable. Today, innovative same-day crown technology has revolutionized this process, allowing you to walk into our office with a damaged tooth and leave with a permanent, custom-fitted crown in just one visit.
At Skale Dental Professionals, we’ve invested in cutting-edge CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology to provide our Northbrook patients with the convenience and quality of same-day crowns. This advanced approach not only saves you time but also delivers exceptional results that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
The Same-Day Crown Process
Once we’ve determined that a crown is necessary, we prepare your tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to properly support the crown. Instead of using impression trays filled with putty-like material you need to bite down on, we use a small intraoral scanner to take precise digital images of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This scanning process typically takes just a few minutes and provides incredibly detailed 3D images that appear immediately on our computer screen.
With these detailed digital images, we use specialized software to design your crown right in our office. Once the design is complete, the information is sent to our in-office milling machine. This remarkable device carves your custom crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic material. The milling process typically takes about 15-20 minutes, during which you can relax in our comfortable office.
After milling, we may apply custom stains and glazes to the crown to match the precise color and characteristics of your natural teeth before strengthening it in a special oven. Once the crown is ready, we check it for fit and make any necessary adjustments before permanently bonding it to your tooth. The entire process—from digital scanning to final placement—is typically completed in about two hours.
Benefits of Same-Day Crown Technology
Same-day crown technology offers numerous advantages over traditional crown procedures:
- Single appointment convenience eliminates the need for temporary crowns and follow-up visits
- Digital scanning provides greater comfort than traditional impressions
- Precise computer design ensures an excellent fit and natural appearance
- High-quality ceramic materials offer durability and aesthetic appeal
- No need for multiple injections of anesthetic or separate appointments
- Less tooth structure is typically removed compared to traditional methods
For busy professionals and retirement-age patients alike, the time-saving aspect of same-day crowns is particularly valuable.
When Are Same-Day Crowns Appropriate?
Same-day crown technology is suitable for many, though not all, situations where a dental crown is needed. They work exceptionally well for:
- Teeth with significant decay that can’t be addressed with fillings
- Cracked or fractured teeth that need protection
- Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
- Replacement of older, worn-out crowns
- Cosmetic enhancement of misshapen or severely discolored teeth
In some cases, particularly when the damage extends below the gumline or when very specific aesthetic requirements exist, traditional crown methods may still be recommended. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether a same-day crown is the right solution for your specific needs.
The Quality and Longevity of Same-Day Crowns
A common question we hear from patients is whether same-day crowns are as durable as traditional crowns. The answer is a resounding yes. The high-quality ceramic materials used in our same-day crowns provide exceptional strength and wear resistance comparable to traditional options.
With proper care—including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups—your same-day crown can last 10-15 years or more. The precise fit achieved through digital design also helps prevent issues like decay under the crown, which can extend its lifespan even further.
Experience the Convenience of Same-Day Crowns
If you have a damaged tooth that may need a crown, or if you’re tired of dealing with a temporary crown while waiting for a permanent one, same-day crown technology may be the perfect solution. At Skale Dental Professionals, we’re committed to providing the most advanced dental care while ensuring your comfort and convenience.
Call us today at (847) 272-1072 or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation. Our friendly team will answer all your questions about same-day crown technology and help you determine if this innovative approach is right for your smile.
