When a tooth is damaged, weak, or badly decayed, it often needs to be repaired right away so the patient doesn’t suffer or the damage doesn’t get worse. Getting a dental crown in the traditional way can require a few visits, a temporary crown, and several weeks for the dental lab to manufacture the final crown. At Zam Dental, we offer our San Antonio, TX patients same-day dental crowns for a better experience and quicker results.
With the help of Glidewell technology, our team can design, manufacture, and place custom dental crowns in one appointment.
What Does A Dental Crown Do?
A dental crown is a custom-made dental restoration for a damaged tooth. A crown restores the tooth’s strength and function and protects it from further damage while improving the tooth’s appearance.
A crown is used when:
- The tooth has decayed extensively and cannot be restored with a filling
- The tooth has been weakened due to a chip or crack
- The tooth has a large filling that has weakened the tooth structure
- The tooth has had root canal therapy
- The appearance of the tooth needs improving because it has become worn down or malformed
Since a crown completely covers the visible part of the tooth, a crown restores the tooth’s function and protects it from damage.
How Glidewell® Technology Improves The Crown Procedure
How Same-Day Crowns Differ From Traditional Crowns
The traditional crown procedure typically involves two or more appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist prepares the tooth for a crown and takes impressions. After the impressions are taken, the patient goes home and wears a temporary crown while the crown is being made at the dental laboratory. A second or even third appointment is necessary for the final crown to be placed after the final crown has been completed.
Glidewell technology significantly shortens and simplifies this procedure. Instead of waiting for the dental laboratory to manufacture the final crown after having impressions sent to the dental laboratory, the crown is designed and manufactured in the office at the same visit. The crown can be ready to be placed during the same appointment that the impressions are taken.
This allows same-day crowns to be used on more patients.
Digital Scans For Accurate & Beautiful Restorations
Digital imaging technology is used to get a comprehensive view of the tooth or teeth for the crown as well as the surrounding teeth and jawbone structure. Digital scans are used in place of traditional impression material. These digital scans are extremely detailed, which allows our team to examine the tooth in many different ways and design a natural-looking crown.
The use of digital scanning technology makes the process for same-day crowns more comfortable for the patient and ensures that the final restoration fits correctly.
Same-Day Crown Procedure Steps
Initial Evaluation & Treatment Planning
Before we can place a crown, we must first determine whether this dental restoration is the best option for you. During an initial evaluation, our team will examine your tooth and review digital images and x-rays, if necessary. Before we move forward, we will discuss your concerns, answer your questions and provide you with information about the procedure.
Tooth Preparation For A Crown
If we recommend a crown, the damaged or weak portions of the tooth are removed, and the remaining tooth structure is shaped to prepare the tooth for receiving a crown. The crown preparation process is done to ensure the crown fits properly over your tooth and that we preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Digital Scanning & Design
After the tooth preparation process, we use a digital scanning system to capture your prepared tooth. The scanning process is extremely fast and easy. This modern solution uses technology to work with the shape and bite of your natural teeth and enhance your smile. And adjustments can be made extremely accurately before fabrication.
In-Office Fabrication
Once your crown is designed, the information is uploaded to Glidewell’s state-of-the-art milling system. While you stay in the office, the crown will be fabricated from a tough ceramic material. Since the restoration is being made right in the office, you’ll skip the temporary crowns and lab wait time.
Placement & Adjustments
After fabrication, your crown will be assessed for fit, comfort, and look. Any adjustments will be made before it’s bonded into place. You’ll then leave with your tooth fully restored, and you’ll be able to enjoy the results immediately.
Benefits Of Same-Day Crowns
There are a number of reasons why many people choose same-day crowns. Some are practical, while others are clinical.
Only One Appointment
The greatest appeal of this restorative option is that your work can be completed in a single visit. This saves you the hassle of taking more time off from work or family obligations.
No Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns can get dislodged or break while you wait for your final result. Since same-day crowns aren’t temporary, you don’t have this issue.
Precise Fit
Digital scanning results in extremely accurate restorations that feel comfortable and function just like your original teeth.
Immediate Restoration Of Function
Since you’ll get your crown immediately, there will be no gap between tooth damage and final treatment.
A Natural Look
Because they are made from ceramic, which is used to recreate natural tooth enamel, same-day crowns blend seamlessly into your smile.
Is A Same-Day Crown Right For You?
While same-day crowns are great for many restorative situations, not every patient is a suitable candidate. During your consultation, our team will take an overall view of the current condition of the tooth, as well as your bite alignment and overall oral health. In some situations, your treatment plan may be more complex and call for another restorative option. Our top priority, no matter the case, will be helping you reach the state of oral health you deserve.
Care For Your New Crown
Your same-day crown will last and look great if you take the same care of it as you do a natural tooth. You can protect your investment by brushing twice daily, flossing your crown daily, coming in for biannual checkups, avoiding destructive habits like chewing on ice or using your teeth to tear open packages, and wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. With the right maintenance, a crown can serve you for many years to come.
Experience Same-Day Dental At Zam Dental
At Zam Dental, we think restorative dentistry should work for you, not the other way around. With the latest technology from Glidewell, many patients are able to walk away from our offices with a crown made specifically for them that restores strength and function and looks incredibly natural, all without waiting weeks to receive their restoration and without the hassles of multiple appointments or temporary crowns. We’ll bring the benefits of cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment to you so that your work in our offices feels comfortable, effective, and easy. To learn more about same-day crowns or to get one for a damaged or worn tooth, contact Zam Dental in San Antonio, TX today!