Traditionally, getting a dental crown could involve multiple appointments, physical impressions and wearing a temporary crown while waiting for the final restoration to be made.
Digital dentistry has changed that.
At CQ Dental Studio, our CEREC technology allows us to digitally scan, design and manufacture many ceramic dental crowns right here in our Rockhampton dental clinic — often within a single appointment.
What Is a Same-Day Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth.
Crowns may be recommended when a tooth has:
- A large existing filling
- Significant structural damage
- Cracks or fractures
- Extensive wear
- Undergone root canal treatment
- Insufficient remaining tooth structure for a predictable filling
With traditional crown treatment, impressions are generally sent to a dental laboratory and the final restoration is fitted at a later appointment.
With CEREC same-day crowns, much of this process can be completed digitally within the dental practice.
What Is CEREC?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.
The system combines digital scanning, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to create customised ceramic restorations.
Instead of taking conventional impressions, we can use a digital scanner to create a detailed three-dimensional representation of your teeth.
The restoration can then be digitally designed before being milled from a ceramic block.
How Does a Same-Day Crown Appointment Work?
1. Preparing the Tooth
After assessing the tooth and confirming that a crown is an appropriate treatment option, the damaged or weakened areas are prepared.
2. Digital Scanning
Rather than relying on conventional impression material, we digitally scan your teeth.
This creates a detailed 3D model that can be used to design your restoration.
3. Designing Your Crown
Your crown is digitally designed to complement the shape of your tooth, surrounding teeth and bite.
4. Milling the Restoration
Once the design is complete, the restoration is manufactured from an appropriate ceramic material using our in-house milling technology.
5. Finishing and Fitting
The crown is finished before being carefully checked for fit, appearance and bite.
Once we’re satisfied with the result, it can be bonded / cemented to your tooth.
For suitable cases, the entire process can be completed during the same visit.
What Are the Advantages of Same-Day Crowns?
One of the biggest advantages is convenience.
Depending on your individual treatment, same-day dentistry may mean:
- Fewer appointments
- Digital rather than conventional impressions
- No need for a temporary crown in many cases
- The restoration can be designed and manufactured in our practice
- Less time waiting between preparation and placement of the final crown
However, same-day treatment isn’t appropriate for every situation. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable option based on your tooth and individual circumstances.
Do Same-Day Crowns Look Natural?
Modern dental ceramics are available in a range of shades and characteristics.
When designing a crown, we consider factors such as:
- Tooth colour
- Shape
- Size
- Position
- Surrounding teeth
- Your bite
The objective is to create a restoration that functions appropriately while blending naturally with your smile.
How Long Does a CEREC Crown Last?
There isn’t a single lifespan that applies to every dental crown.
Longevity can depend on factors including:
Looking after a crown is much like looking after your natural teeth: brush twice daily, clean between your teeth and attend regular dental examinations.
Are Same-Day Crowns Suitable for Everyone?
Not necessarily.
Some cases may be better suited to alternative restorative techniques or laboratory-made restorations.
Before recommending treatment, we’ll assess the tooth, your bite and your overall oral health and explain the available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a same-day crown actually completed in one appointment?
Many suitable CEREC restorations can be prepared, designed, manufactured and fitted during a single visit. More complex cases may require additional appointments.
2. Do you still need to take impressions?
CEREC allows us to use digital scanning for many cases rather than conventional impression materials.
3. Is a CEREC crown different from a normal crown?
The purpose is essentially the same: restoring and protecting a damaged tooth. One of the main differences is the digital workflow that allows many restorations to be manufactured within the practice.
4. Can you replace an old crown using CEREC?
Potentially. The tooth first needs to be assessed to determine why the existing crown requires replacement and whether a same-day restoration is appropriate.
Looking for Same-Day Dental Crowns in Rockhampton?
Digital dentistry can make restorative treatment considerably more convenient.
If you have a damaged tooth, a large filling or have been told you may need a crown, the team at CQ Dental Studio can assess your tooth and explain whether a same-day CEREC crown may be suitable.
Contact CQ Dental Studio to arrange a consultation with our Rockhampton dental team.
