Dental technology has made so many incredible strides over the past few years. One of the most remarkable advancements is the same-day crown. Placement of traditional crowns typically requires two visits to the dentist office. During the first trip, the dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing any existing decay and/or an old filling, then thoroughly cleaning the tooth and affixing a temporary crown while the permanent version is created by an outside laboratory. Then, during the second visit to the dentist office – typically 10 to 14 days later – the dentist fits the patient with the permanent crown.
If you need a new crown and are given the option between a traditional version and a same-day crown, there are some important differences between the two that you should be aware of.
- Same-day crowns save you time and a second trip to the dentist office. The most obvious difference between the two types of crowns, from a patient’s perspective, is that a traditional crown will require two trips to the dentist office. This makes same-day crowns much more convenient, particularly for people with hectic daytime schedules.
- Traditional crowns come in a variety of materials. Same-day crowns, on the other hand, are currently only available in ceramic. If you choose a traditional crown, you can select from ceramic, porcelain, metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
- While both traditional and ceramic crowns are quite durable – typically lasting for many years – some types of traditional crowns are somewhat stronger than same-day crowns. This is particularly true for traditional metal crowns, which are the most durable and often a good choice for molars in the back of the mouth since they are used for chewing.
- Same-day crowns don’t require messy impressions. Because the same-day crown technology involves use of 3D imaging to map out the dimensions of the affected tooth, your dentist doesn’t have to make a physical impression of the tooth.
- Same-day crowns eliminate the need for temporary crowns. Since you’ll be fitted with your crown in a single trip to the dentist office, you won’t need to wear a temporary crown.
Part of the decision involved in choosing between a traditional and same-day crown involves the location of the affected tooth inside the mouth. Teeth located in the back of the mouth, which typically undergo more rigorous chewing, might be good choices for traditional metal crowns. On the other hand, a crown located in a different part of the mouth might be served well by a same-day crown. Talk to your dentist to find out more about same-day crowns. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types, and your dentist can help you decide which is right for you.
