With any type of emergency, it is normal to want to be treated immediately and effectively. Such is the case with dental emergencies as well. However, dentistry has a reputation for multiple, lengthy appointments to restore teeth. While this may have been true in the past, modern dentistry has had a variety of technological advancements that have made dental appointments much quicker. This technology also means that dentists can usually address a dental emergency in as little as one appointment.
When it comes to treating a dental emergency, dental crowns are a common solution. Since a dental crown fits over a natural tooth in order to provide protection and support, it is an ideal choice when the affected tooth has been severely damaged or decayed. Crowns can be used to restore teeth that have been deeply fractured or chipped, as well as teeth that either have deep decay or a significant amount of decay. They are also commonly used after a root canal is performed to remove decayed tissue from the inside of the tooth.
If you have ever had a dental crown placed, you may know that it usually takes about two dental appointments to place since one appointment is needed to prepare the tooth and a second appointment is needed to place the crown after it has been fabricated by a dental lab. Cutting out the dental lab means the crown can be placed immediately after the tooth has been prepared. This is known as a same day crown and they are possible because of in-office milling machines that can custom fabricate your crown in your dentist’s office while you wait. This makes them especially ideal for emergency dental crowns.
Here are some other benefits of same day crowns:
No Dental Impressions
Dental impressions are traditionally used to obtain the measurements necessary to custom fabricate your permanent crown. With a same day crown, however, dental impressions are a thing of the past. Instead, digital mapping technology is used to “map” out the specifications of your dental crown. This information is then sent to the milling machine to fabricate your crown according to these specifications.
Better Fit
The digital mapping technology used to fabricate same day crowns is capable of making highly accurate measurements of your natural tooth structure that dental impressions simply cannot. This means that the end product will fit seamlessly over your natural tooth, look natural, align with your natural teeth, and be comfortable. Basically, you won’t even be able to tell it is not your natural tooth.
Made with High-Quality Dental Materials
It is important to realize that same day crowns should not be confused with temporary crowns. Temporary crowns are placed in between the first and second appointments until the permanent crown is ready. Since they are temporary, they are made from less durable materials that are not very aesthetic. Same day crowns, on the other hand, are permanent restorations made from quality dental materials, such as ceramic, that are intended to be highly aesthetic. They are also just as durable as traditional crowns, meaning that they will last for years.
No Need for a Temporary Crown
Temporary crowns are usually described as the worst part of having a dental crown placed. This is because they are temporary and are not made from quality materials. Rarely do temporary crowns ever fit properly, which means they are uncomfortable and awkward to wear. Additionally, they are susceptible to damage and can fall off, which usually means you need to chew with the opposite side of your mouth. Having a same day crown placed eliminates all this unpleasantness altogether.
