How Long Does a Same-Day Crown Take?


Dental crowns are small caps used to restore a tooth after it’s been damaged or treated for a large cavity or infection.

Usually, getting a dental crown takes a few weeks. The dentist takes an impression of your mouth and sends it to a lab, where the crown is made from scratch. In the meantime, patients have to make do with an ill-fitting temporary crown to protect their natural teeth. 

But today, you can skip all that waiting and get a permanent dental crown on the same day as your appointment.

If you’re interested in same-day crowns in Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest, Great Park, and surrounding cities, you may be wondering how long the process actually takes. 

Here’s the definitive answer: 

How Are Same-Day Crowns Made? 

First, you should know that a same-day crown is still created to match your specific tooth size, shape, and color, so you will not forgo personalization for the sake of speed. 

Same-day crowns rely on special technology like CEREC to scan, design, and create the crown. First, patients get the tooth scanned, and the system renders a 3D model of the tooth. The process replaced the uncomfortable mold with traditional crowns, where patients had to sit with putty in their mouths for a few minutes. 

Once the 3D model is ready, the crown is made by a machine by cutting into a piece of porcelain, using the model as a guide. 

The process itself can take around 1–2 hours on average. Once the crown is down, it’s placed on top of your tooth, after which you’ll be asked to close your mouth to see if it’s a good fit. Your Foothill Ranch dentist can refine it slightly if it needs to be resized or reshaped. 

After you’re happy with the crown’s fit, it’s permanently cemented on top of your tooth. 

Are Same-Day Crowns As Good As Traditional Crowns? 

When it comes to quality, same-day crowns can provide the same impressive results as traditional crowns. They are designed to support your daily chewing and speaking needs. 

With the right care, a same-day crown can last as long as 10–15 years. Here’s how you can care for them:

  • Brush and floss your teeth daily.
  • Get routine dental cleanings.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Get a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
  • Eat fewer sugary treats.
  • Add more fresh produce to your diet to increase salivation. 

Same-Day Crowns in Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest, and Great Park 

If you need a new dental crown, you don’t have to wait weeks for a faraway lab to make one. Dr. Sarno can fit you with a same-day crown in Foothill Ranch in just a couple of hours, tops! 

Schedule a consultation at Foothill Modern Dental now and stop by to find out if same-day crowns are right for you. 

For more information, call us at (949) 830-3511 today!

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