The Future of Dentistry: Same Day Crowns at Cornerstone Dental Center

At Cornerstone Dental Center, we believe in making dental care as convenient and comfortable as possible for our patients. That's why we're excited to introduce same day crowns—a cutting-edge service that offers convenience, precision, and immediate results. Dr. Don Tatalovich and the team are dedicated to providing the best in modern dentistry, and same day crowns are just one way we're doing that.

In this blog, we’ll explain what same day crowns are, how they work, the benefits they offer, and how you can know if you need one. If you’re looking for an innovative, hassle-free way to restore your smile, keep reading!

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What Are Same Day Crowns?

A crown is a dental restoration that covers a damaged or decayed tooth, essentially acting as a cap to restore its shape, size, and function. Traditionally, the process of getting a crown involves multiple appointments over the course of several weeks. You’d visit the dentist for an initial consultation and tooth preparation, then wear a temporary crown while the permanent one was created in a lab. That meant waiting for weeks for your new crown and dealing with the potential hassle of your temporary one coming off or breaking.

But now, with same day crowns, we’ve changed the game. Same day crowns use advanced technology that allows us to digitally scan your tooth, design your new crown right in the office, and then mill it on-site, all in a single visit. That’s right—you can walk into Cornerstone Dental Center in Hayden, ID, with a damaged tooth, and leave with a permanent, custom-made crown the very same day.

How Are Same Day Crowns Different from Traditional Crowns?

The traditional crown process typically requires two appointments and takes about two weeks. Here’s how it used to go:

1. Initial Appointment: The dentist would examine your tooth, take impressions using a goopy material, and send those impressions to a lab where the crown would be fabricated. This step usually required a couple of weeks.
   
   
2. Temporary Crown: While you wait for the lab to create your permanent crown, you’d wear a temporary crown. Temporary crowns can be a bit inconvenient—they might come loose, feel uncomfortable, or even break, making the waiting process a little stressful.
   
   
3. Final Appointment: Once the lab finished your permanent crown, you’d return to the office to have it placed. This final visit was a relief, but still required another trip to the dentist.
   
   

Same day crowns are different in that you only need one visit. Here’s how we do it:

1. Tooth Preparation: First, we prepare your tooth by removing any damaged or decayed areas and reshaping it to receive the crown.
   
   
2. Digital Scanning: Instead of taking traditional impressions, we use a digital scanner that quickly and comfortably creates a 3D image of your tooth. No more gooey impressions!
   
   
3. Crown Design & Milling: Using advanced software, we design your custom crown right in the office. Then, we use an in-house milling machine to create your crown while you relax in our comfortable waiting area.
   
   
4. Final Placement: Once your crown is ready, we’ll place it, check for proper fit, and make any necessary adjustments. You leave with your permanent crown on the same day.
   
   

Why Should You Choose Same Day Crowns?

Convenience
The most obvious benefit of same day crowns is the convenience. You only need one appointment, which means you don’t have to take time off work or rearrange your schedule for multiple visits. Plus, there’s no waiting for weeks with a temporary crown that might break or come off.

Comfort and Precision
With digital scanning, we’re able to capture more accurate impressions of your teeth than with traditional molds. That means your crown will fit better, function better, and feel more natural. The process is quick and comfortable, and you don’t have to deal with the discomfort of traditional impressions.

Instant Gratification
Another great benefit is that you get to leave our office with a permanent, fully customized crown. You don’t have to wait two weeks to get your smile back on track—your crown is created and placed during your visit, and you’re done.

How Do We Create Your Same Day Crown?

The process of creating your Same Day Crown is fast, easy, and high-tech. Here’s a more detailed look at how it works:

1. Examination & Tooth Preparation: When you arrive at Cornerstone Dental Center, Dr. Tatalovich will first examine your tooth to ensure that a crown is the right solution for your needs. He’ll repair any cavities or decay and reshape the tooth to prepare it for the crown.
   
   
2. Digital Scanning: Instead of traditional impressions, we use a digital scanner that creates a 3D model of your tooth. This process is quick, accurate, and doesn’t require any uncomfortable goopy materials. The scan is uploaded into our design software, where we’ll create your custom crown.
   
   
3. Designing the Crown: Using advanced design software, we’ll customize your crown based on the scan of your tooth. The software allows us to design a crown that perfectly fits your tooth, restoring both its functionality and appearance.
   
   
4. Milling & Fitting: After the design is complete, we use an in-house milling machine to fabricate your crown. The mill uses strong ceramic materials to create a durable, long-lasting restoration. Once the crown is ready, we’ll try it on to ensure it fits properly, making any adjustments if needed.
   
   
5. Final Placement: After everything is in place, Dr. Tatalovich will ensure that your crown feels comfortable and that your bite is just right. Once it’s perfect, your permanent crown is securely placed, and you’re ready to go—no need to return for a follow-up!
   
   

Who Can Benefit from Same Day Crowns?

Same day crowns are a great option for any patient who needs a crown. This includes people who have:

• Damaged Teeth: Whether your tooth is cracked, broken, or worn down, a crown can restore its strength and functionality.
  
  
• Severely Decayed Teeth: If a cavity is too large to be repaired with a filling, a crown may be the best option to preserve the tooth.
  
  
• Aesthetic Concerns: Crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons if a tooth is discolored, misshapen, or simply doesn’t look good with your smile.
  
  

Most patients are candidates for same day crowns. However, it’s always best to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tatalovich to determine if a crown is the right solution for you. If a crown isn’t the best option for your situation, we’ll work with you to explore alternative treatments.

The Technology Behind Same Day Crowns

At Cornerstone Dental Center, we use some of the most advanced technology available to create same day crowns. Here’s a look at the tools and technology that make the process possible:

Digital Scanning: Instead of the messy, uncomfortable impressions you may have experienced in the past, we use digital scanning to create a 3D image of your teeth. This technology captures detailed images quickly, leading to more accurate crowns and a more comfortable experience.

Design Software: The digital scans are uploaded to advanced design software, which allows us to create a customized crown that fits your tooth perfectly. This software also allows us to ensure that the crown is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.

In-House Milling Machine: Our milling machine fabricates the crown in-house, right here at Cornerstone Dental Center. The process is quick and efficient, and it ensures that your crown is made with precision and care.

Common Misconceptions About Same Day Crowns

There are some myths floating around about same day crowns, so let’s address them:

• Same Day Crowns Are Less Durable: Some people believe that crowns made in a single day are not as durable as those created in a lab. In reality, the materials we use for same day crowns are just as strong and durable as traditional crowns, and they’re designed to last for many years with proper care.
  
  
• Same Day Crowns Are More Expensive: While same day crowns may have a slightly higher upfront cost due to the technology involved, they actually offer a great value in the long run. You don’t have to deal with temporary crowns, multiple appointments, or the risk of a temporary crown falling off or breaking.
  
  
• Same Day Crowns Aren’t as Customizable: Thanks to the advanced digital scanning and design software, we can customize same day crowns to fit your tooth perfectly, just like a lab-made crown.
  
  

Aftercare for Same Day Crowns

Once your Same Day Crown is placed, you’ll need to care for it just like a natural tooth. Here’s what you need to know about aftercare:

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Continue to brush and floss around your crown as you would with your natural teeth. Keeping the area around the crown clean will help prevent decay and ensure long-lasting results.
  
  
• Use a Night Guard if Needed: If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a night guard to protect your new crown from wear and tear.
  
  
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Be sure to continue with your regular dental visits. Dr. Tatalovich will monitor your crown and ensure that it stays in good condition.
  
  

How Do You Know If You Need a Crown?

If you’re experiencing discomfort, sensitivity, or visible damage to your tooth, you may need a crown. Some common signs include:

• A Cracked or Broken Tooth
  
  
• Severe Tooth Decay
  
  
• A Large Filling
  
  
• Discoloration or Cosmetic Issues
  
  

The best way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment at Cornerstone Dental Center. We’ll perform an exam, take X-rays if necessary, and discuss the best treatment options for your needs.

Discover Your Best Smile in Hayden

At Cornerstone Dental Center in Hayden, ID, we’re proud to offer same day crowns as part of our commitment to providing high-quality, efficient, and convenient dental care. Same day crowns give you the opportunity to restore your smile with minimal time and hassle, all while ensuring the best in precision and comfort.

If you think you might need a crown or if you’re interested in learning more about Same day crowns, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (208) 772-5141 or schedule an appointment today. Dr. Tatalovich and the team look forward to helping you get your smile back in no time!