The time to get a dental crown can vary from a few hours to two days, based on the crown placement process chosen.
The traditional procedure typically involves two appointments spanning a few weeks. The first appointment includes tooth preparation, impression-taking, and placement of a temporary crown. The permanent dental crown is then custom-made in a dental laboratory, leading to a waiting period of a week or more before the second appointment for final placement.
In contrast, same-day crowns utilize advanced technology, completing the entire process in a single visit, typically within 2 to 4 hours.
Process Of Getting Dental Crowns
Traditional and same-day crown processes aim to restore the tooth’s function and appearance, but same-day crowns leverage advanced technology to expedite fabrication and placement.
Traditional Crown Process
- Preparation Appointment: The dentist begins by preparing the tooth, removing decay, and shaping it to accommodate the crown. Impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth are then taken.
- Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown is often placed to protect the prepared tooth, while the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory.
- Laboratory Fabrication: The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians create the permanent crown based on the specifications provided by the dentist.
- Final Placement: The patient returns for a second appointment once the permanent crown is ready. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is placed, adjusted for fit and bite, and cemented into position.
Same-Day Crown Process
- Preparation and Digital Impressions: The tooth is prepared, and instead of traditional impressions, digital scans are taken using CAD/CAM technology.
- Design and Milling: The dentist uses computer-aided design (CAD) to create a 3D crown model, which is then sent to an in-office milling machine. The machine carves the crown from a ceramic or other suitable material block.
- Immediate Placement: Once the crown is milled, it is immediately placed onto the prepared tooth. The dentist makes any adjustments for fit and bites during the same appointment.
- Completion: The entire process, from tooth preparation to final crown placement, is completed in a single visit, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and reducing the overall treatment time.
The choice between the two methods often depends on individual preferences, the dentist’s available technology, and the specific clinical situation. The longevity of crowns doesn’t rely on the process used.
Factors Influencing Dental Crown Duration
Several factors can influence the time it takes to get a dental crown –
- Type of Crown: Different types of crowns, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or metal crowns, may have varying fabrication times.
- Dental Laboratory: The efficiency of the dental laboratory where the crown is fabricated plays a crucial role. Some offices have in-house milling machines for same-day crowns, while others rely on external labs, impacting the overall time frame.
- Dentist’s Schedule: The appointment schedule for dental crowns also affects the timeline, especially if adjustments or additional visits are needed.
- Patient’s Oral Health: The condition of the tooth requiring the crown can impact the timeline. Complex cases, such as those involving extensive decay or additional treatments, may take longer.
- Material Availability: Some materials may require specific manufacturing processes or be subject to availability, potentially affecting the production time.
Discussing the factors affecting crown timeline with your Emergency dentist to understand the specific duration of the procedure is essential.
Seamless Dental Crowns Restoring Flawless Smile And Tooth Strength
Embrace a radiant, confident smile at Pinnacle Dental. With cutting-edge technology, our best Plano dentist for dental crowns can craft custom caps in a single visit, saving you time without compromising quality. Our precision dental crowns seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality.
Make an appointment today at (972) 801-2788 and embark on a journey to a healthier, more vibrant smile.
