Same-Day Crown vs. Traditional Crown: Cost, Process, and Comfort

When you need a dental crown, modern technology makes it possible to restore the tooth immediately with a same-day crown, eliminating the wait time of lab-created restorations. The advancements in the dental industry allow this treatment to be completed in one day, which is much faster than the traditional approach that required two visits and a waiting period of a week or more.

Today, we are breaking down the differences between a same-day crown vs. a traditional dental crown, helping you understand how the process works. Our goal is to provide the information that you need so that you can make the best decisions for your dental care.

What Is a Dental Crown and Why Might You Need One?

When a tooth is moderately or severely damaged, restoration with a crown is necessary because a basic filling isn’t enough to preserve the strength of the tooth. This crown is designed as a cap that fits over the tooth, helping to restore the appearance while also protecting the remaining portion of the tooth.

There are a few different reasons why your dentist might be suggesting a dental crown for your treatment:

• The tooth is cracked.
• You have a large filling that failed.
• The tooth was treated with a root canal.
• There is a lot of decay in the tooth.
• A restoration is needed on top of a dental implant.

Additionally, dental crowns can be used in a tooth restoration treatment plan with dental bridges. The bridge is designed with a dental crown that attaches to a nearby tooth so that you can fill in the gap where one or more teeth are missing.

Traditional Crowns vs. Same-Day Crowns: What Are the Differences?

While the overall treatment technique is similar, there are some big differences in the timeline for the dental crown procedure, depending on whether the dentist uses a traditional approach or same-day dental technology.

The Traditional Crown Process

If you are getting a traditional crown, then you will need to visit the dental office for two appointments. The first visit is to prepare the tooth and take an impression to send to the off-site dental lab. You will go home with a temporary crown to protect the tooth while you are waiting for the final restoration.

Then, your second appointment will be 2 or 3 weeks after the lab has sent the permanent crown. During this visit, we will secure the permanent crown over your tooth and make any adjustments that are needed to ensure crown comfort and alignment with your bite.

Keep in mind that temporary crowns aren’t as durable, so you’ll need to be careful during this waiting period to avoid further damage to the affected tooth.

The Same-Day Crown Process

With a same-day dental crown (also known as a CEREC crown), we can complete the whole process in just one appointment. It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, and you will leave our office with the final restoration.

We use an intra-oral scanner to take digital impressions of your tooth, then the computer creates the restoration design. A milling machine in our office then carves out the crown from a solid block of ceramic, and you can relax in the dental chair during this process.

Once the crown is made, we will bond it to your tooth. There is no need to wear a temporary crown because your treatment will be finished at the end of the appointment.

Cost Comparison for Your Dental Crown Procedure

Rest assured knowing that our dental team always offers full pricing transparency, so you’ll know what your out-of-pocket expenses are going to be before we start the appointment. The pricing for traditional and same-day crowns is similar, with crown costs usually ranging between $1,000 and $1,800 depending on the materials that are used and the dental office that you visit.

The insurance coverage is generally the same for both types of dental crowns. In most situations, the insurance company will pay for a portion of the crown since it is a necessary treatment to restore the function of the tooth.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Most patients prefer same-day crowns, especially since they don’t need to add a second appointment to their busy schedules. Another benefit of completing the crown in one day is that you can avoid dental anxiety about multiple appointments.

But there are still times when a traditional crown might make sense, depending on the specifics of your case. For example, if a back tooth is under heavy bite pressure or there is a unique situation that needs to be addressed, then there are times when lab customization is a better choice.

Our dental team will evaluate your needs and offer personalized recommendations, helping you achieve the ideal outcome and long-lasting results.

Fast Smile Restoration from a Dental Team You Can Trust

If you have a damaged tooth and need more information about the dental crown procedure, then our team at myDental is always just a phone call away. We offer multiple locations and full-service treatments for patients of all ages. Contact us to book a consultation at one of our Austin-area locations. We’ll help you find the option that fits your schedule and your smile.

FAQ

Does getting a crown hurt?

We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you won’t feel any pain during the crown treatment. It’s normal to have a little bit of tooth sensitivity for a few days after the treatment.

Will my insurance cover a same-day crown?

Yes, most dental insurance plans offer coverage for both traditional crowns and same-day crowns. Check with your insurance provider to confirm available coverage.

Can I eat normally after a same-day crown?

Yes, you can usually eat after the appointment, once the numbing has worn off. We recommend avoiding foods that are hard and sticky within the first 24 hours. You might stick with soft foods for the first day or two if the tooth is sensitive.